Hardened fiber optic connector compatible with hardened and non-hardened fiber optic adapters

ABSTRACT

A fiber optic connector and cable assembly includes a cable with one or more strength members secured to a connector that is connectable to both a hardened and a non-hardened fiber optic adapter. The cable can include multiple cable types with various shapes and strength member configurations. The connector includes a connector housing having a one-piece main body and a cover piece mounted thereon. The one-piece main body defines a plug portion compatible with the adapters. A ferrule assembly is mounted in the plug portion and biased outwardly by a spring. An insert within the connector housing includes a spring stop for holding the spring and a cable retention portion for securing the strength members of the cable. The spring stop and the cable retention portion can be included on a one-piece insert or they can separately be included on separate inserts. The cable retention portion of the insert and the cover piece can take various forms suited for a particular cable of a given fiber optic connector and cable assembly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/825,111, filed Jun. 28, 2010, which is a divisional of Ser.No. 12/203,508, filed on Sep. 3, 2008 and now U.S. Pat. No. 7,744,288,which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/029,524, filed Feb. 18, 2008 and U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/007,222, filed Dec. 11, 2007, which applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties.

The present application is related to the following U.S. patentapplications, all filed on Sep. 3, 2008, and incorporated herein byreference in their entireties: U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/203,522, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,762,726; Ser. No. 12/203,530, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,744,286; and Ser. No. 12/203,535, now U.S. Pat. No.7,942,590.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to fiber optic data transmission, andmore particularly to fiber optic cable connection systems.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic cables are widely used to transmit light signals for highspeed data transmission. A fiber optic cable typically includes: (1) anoptical fiber or optical fibers; (2) a buffer or buffers that surroundsthe fiber or fibers; (3) a strength layer that surrounds the buffer orbuffers; and (4) an outer jacket. Optical fibers function to carryoptical signals. A typical optical fiber includes an inner coresurrounded by a cladding that is covered by a coating. Buffers (e.g.,loose or tight buffer tubes) typically function to surround and protectcoated optical fibers. Strength layers add mechanical strength to fiberoptic cables to protect the internal optical fibers against stressesapplied to the cables during installation and thereafter. Examplestrength layers include aramid yarn, steel and epoxy reinforced glassroving. Outer jackets provide protection against damage caused bycrushing, abrasions, and other physical damage. Outer jackets alsoprovide protection against chemical damage (e.g., ozone, alkali, acids).

Fiber optic cable connection systems are used to facilitate connectingand disconnecting fiber optic cables in the field without requiring asplice. A typical fiber optic cable connection system forinterconnecting two fiber optic cables includes fiber optic connectorsmounted at the ends of the fiber optic cables, and a fiber optic adapterfor mechanically and optically coupling the fiber optic connectorstogether. Fiber optic connectors generally include ferrules that supportthe ends of the optical fibers of the fiber optic cables. The end facesof the ferrules are typically polished and are often angled. The fiberoptic adapter includes co-axially aligned ports (i.e., receptacles) forreceiving the fiber optic connectors desired to be interconnected. Thefiber optic adapter includes an internal sleeve that receives and alignsthe ferrules of the fiber optic connectors when the connectors areinserted within the ports of the fiber optic adapter. With the ferrulesand their associated fibers aligned within the sleeve of the fiber opticadapter, a fiber optic signal can pass from one fiber to the next. Theadapter also typically has a mechanical fastening arrangement (e.g., asnap-fit arrangement) for mechanically retaining the fiber opticconnectors within the adapter. One example of an existing fiber opticconnection system is described at U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,579,014, 6,648,520,and 6,899,467.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic connector compatiblewith a hardened fiber optic adapter and a non-hardened fiber opticadapter. The fiber optic connector includes a connector housing with aplug portion that connects with both the hardened and the non-hardenedfiber optic adapters. In a preferred embodiment, the non-hardened fiberoptic adapter is an SC adapter.

The present disclosure also relates to a fiber optic connector and cableassembly with multiple configurations. Multiple cable types (e.g., flator cylindrical) with multiple reinforcing methods (e.g., reinforcingyarn or fiberglass epoxy rods) can be configured and included as a cablein the fiber optic connector and cable assembly. In preferredembodiments, the fiber optic connector and cable assembly is hardened(e.g., the assembly is suited for outdoor environmental conditions andis able to support comparatively high structural loads).

In preferred embodiments, the cable of the fiber optic connector andcable assembly includes an optical fiber, a jacket surrounding theoptical fiber, and at least one strength member for providing the fiberoptic cable with axial reinforcement. The strength member(s) (e.g.,reinforcing yarn and/or fiberglass epoxy rods) preferably extend beyondan end of the cable jacket and the optical fiber preferably extendsbeyond an end of the strength member(s) at an end of the cable that isattached to the connector.

The connector of the fiber optic connector and cable assembly includes aconnector housing with a first end defining a plug portion and a secondend that receives the strength member(s) and the optical fiber of thecable. The plug portion of the connector housing is adapted forinsertion into both the hardened and the non-hardened fiber opticadapter. A ferrule is positioned at the first end of the connectorhousing and receives an end portion of the optical fiber. A springbiases the ferrule in a direction that extends outwardly from the firstend of the connector housing. An insert is mounted within the connectorhousing. In certain preferred embodiments, the insert includes a springstop for retaining the spring and a cable retention portion for securingthe strength member(s). The spring stop and the cable retention portioncan be included on a one-piece insert or they can separately be includedon separate inserts. The cable retention portion of the insert can takevarious forms (e.g., gripping teeth, receiving channels, crimp area,etc.) An anchor can be secured to the strength member(s) of the cable(e.g., by crimping and/or bonding the strength member(s) to the anchorby a crimp band).

In preferred embodiments, the connector housing includes a one-piecemain body that defines the plug portion and includes a proximalextension that projects outwardly from the plug portion. The preferredconnector housing also includes a cover piece that mounts to theproximal extension of the one-piece main body. In certain preferredembodiments, the end(s) of the strength member(s) are retained (e.g.,clamped, glued, etc.) between the proximal extension of the one-piecemain body and the cover piece. The cover piece can include retainingfeatures (e.g., gripping teeth, receiving channels, etc.) that arecomplimentary to the cable retention portion of the insert. The anchorcan be anchored between the proximal extension of the one-piece mainbody and the cover piece (e.g., retention tabs of the anchor can fitwithin corresponding notches provided on the one-piece main body and/orthe cover piece).

In preferred embodiments, the one-piece main body is included in themultiple configurations and the insert and the cover piece are tailoredfor a specific configuration.

In preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, various angledsurfaces are included on various protrusions, latching features,grooves, etc. Angled surfaces on the various features typically are usedin conjunction with various flexible members and are selected to provideadequate holding strength for various functions of the fiber opticconnector while also allowing manual manipulation and operation. Thus,in preferred embodiments, tools are not required to use the fiber opticconnector.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in thedescription that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individualfeatures and to combinations of features. It is to be understood thatboth the forgoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosedherein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first arrangement of an example fiberoptic connection system connecting an optical fiber terminated at an SCconnector with a fiber optic cable terminated at a hardened fiber opticconnector via a hardened fiber optic adapter, wherein the SC connectoris connected at an unhardened port of the hardened fiber optic adapterand the hardened fiber optic connector is connected at a hardened portof the hardened fiber optic adapter;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first connection system arrangementof FIG. 1 with the SC connector disconnected from the hardened fiberoptic adapter and the hardened fiber optic connector also disconnectedfrom the hardened fiber optic adapter;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the hardened fiber optic connector ofFIG. 1 configured for terminating a flat fiber optic tether cable;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the hardened fiber optic connector ofFIG. 1 configured for terminating a cylindrical fiber optic cable;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second arrangement of the examplefiber optic connection system connecting the optical fiber terminated atthe SC connector of FIG. 1 with the fiber optic cable terminated at thehardened fiber optic connector of FIG. 1 via an SC fiber optic adapter,wherein a slideable lock is attached to a coupling nut of the hardenedfiber optic connector and is in a locked position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second connection system arrangementof FIG. 5 with the SC connector disconnected from the SC adapter and thehardened fiber optic connector also disconnected from the SC adapter;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third arrangement of the example fiberoptic connection system connecting the optical fiber terminated at theSC connector of FIG. 1 with the fiber optic cable terminated at thehardened fiber optic connector of FIG. 1 via an SC fiber optic adapter;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the third connection system arrangementof FIG. 7 with the SC connector disconnected from the SC adapter and thehardened fiber optic connector also disconnected from the SC adapter;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the hardened fiber optic connector ofFIG. 1 attached to a hardened fiber optic converter thereby forming aconverted fiber optic connector of a fourth arrangement of the examplefiber optic connection system;

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the converted fiber opticconnector of FIG. 9 of the fourth arrangement of the example fiber opticconnection system;

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the converted fiber opticconnector of FIG. 9 of the fourth arrangement of the example fiber opticconnection system, wherein the hardened fiber optic converter isdetached;

FIG. 12 is yet another perspective view of the converted fiber opticconnector of FIG. 9 of the fourth arrangement of the example fiber opticconnection system, wherein the hardened fiber optic converter isdetached;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fifth arrangement of the examplefiber optic connection system wherein the coupling nut of FIG. 5 of thehardened fiber optic connector of FIG. 1 is attached to a hardened cap;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the fifth arrangementof the example fiber optic connection system of FIG. 13, wherein acentral buffer tube is shown as transparent;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the hardened fiber optic adapter ofFIG. 1 and an adapter plug and a plug strap;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a sixth arrangement of the examplefiber optic connection system connecting the SC connector of FIG. 1 tothe hardened port of the hardened fiber optic adapter of FIG. 1, whereinthe SC connector has been modified by removing a release sleeve andinstalling a converter sleeve;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the sixth arrangement of the examplefiber optic connection system of FIG. 16 with the modified SC connectorof FIG. 16 disconnected from the hardened port of the hardened fiberoptic adapter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an angular misalignment betweenthe hardened fiber optic connector and hardened fiber optic adapter ofFIG. 1, the hardened fiber optic adapter including a first housing pieceand a second housing piece;

FIG. 19 is the perspective view of FIG. 18 with the first housing pieceof the hardened fiber optic adapter removed revealing details of thesecond housing piece of the hardened fiber optic adapter;

FIG. 20 is a cross-section view further showing the angular misalignmentof FIG. 18 between the hardened fiber optic connector and hardened fiberoptic adapter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view with the first housing piece ofthe hardened fiber optic adapter of FIG. 1 removed revealing details ofthe second housing piece which is shown angularly misaligned with thehardened fiber optic connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view with the hardened fiber optic adapter ofFIG. 1 shown in cross-section and the hardened fiber optic connector ofFIG. 1 disconnected from the adapter;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the hardened fiberoptic connector of FIG. 1 inserted but not connected at the hardenedport of the hardened fiber optic adapter of FIG. 1, wherein the centralbuffer tube is shown as transparent;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the hardened fiberoptic connector of FIG. 1 connected but not fully secured at thehardened port of the hardened fiber optic adapter of FIG. 1, wherein afiber and the central buffer tube are removed for the purpose ofillustration;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the hardened fiberoptic connector of FIG. 1 connected and secured at the hardened port ofthe hardened fiber optic adapter of FIG. 1, wherein the fiber and thecentral buffer tube are removed for the purpose of illustration;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the hardened fiber opticconnector of FIG. 1 connected and secured at the hardened port of thehardened fiber optic adapter of FIG. 1, wherein the fiber and thecentral buffer tube are removed for the purpose of illustration;

FIG. 27 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of the hardenedfiber optic connector of FIG. 1, wherein the fiber and the centralbuffer tube are removed for the purpose of illustration;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the hardened fiber opticadapter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the slideable lock of FIG. 5 attachedto the coupling nut of the hardened fiber optic connector of FIG. 1,wherein the slideable lock is in the locked position;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the slideable lock of FIG. 5;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the slideable lock ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the slideable lock of FIG. 5 mounted tothe hardened fiber optic connector of FIG. 1 connected to the SC fiberoptic adapter of FIG. 5, wherein the slideable lock is in an unlockedposition;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the slideable lock ofFIG. 5 mounted to the hardened fiber optic connector of FIG. 1 connectedto the SC fiber optic adapter of FIG. 5, wherein the slideable lock isin the locked position;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the slideable lock ofFIG. 5 mounted to the hardened fiber optic connector of FIG. 1 connectedto the SC fiber optic adapter of FIG. 5, wherein the slideable lock isin the unlocked position;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the SC fiber opticadapter of FIG. 5;

FIG. 36 is another cross-sectional perspective view of the slideablelock of FIG. 5 mounted to the hardened fiber optic connector of FIG. 1connected to the SC fiber optic adapter of FIG. 5, wherein the slideablelock is in the locked position;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the slideable lock ofFIG. 5 mounted to the hardened fiber optic connector of FIG. 1 connectedto the SC fiber optic adapter of FIG. 5, wherein the slideable lock isin the unlocked position;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the hardened fiberoptic connector of FIG. 1 connected to the SC fiber optic adapter ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 39 is another cross-sectional perspective view of the hardenedfiber optic connector of FIG. 1 connected to the SC fiber optic adapterof FIG. 5;

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional plan view of the hardened fiber opticconnector of FIG. 1 connected to the SC fiber optic adapter of FIG. 5;

FIG. 41 is another cross-sectional plan view of the hardened fiber opticconnector of FIG. 1 connected to the SC fiber optic adapter of FIG. 5;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the slideable lock ofFIG. 5 mounted to the hardened fiber optic connector of FIG. 1 connectedto the SC fiber optic adapter of FIG. 5, wherein the slideable lock isin the locked position;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view with the hardened fiber optic adapter ofFIG. 1 shown in cross-section and the modified SC connector of FIG. 16disconnected from the hardened port of the adapter;

FIG. 44 is an exploded perspective view of the modified SC connector ofFIG. 16;

FIG. 45 is another exploded perspective view of the modified SCconnector of FIG. 16;

FIG. 46 is an exploded perspective view of the modified SC connector ofFIG. 16 with the converter sleeve of FIG. 16 shown in cross-section;

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a connector housingassembly of the hardened fiber optic connector of FIG. 1, wherein theconnector housing assembly is configured for terminating a flat fiberoptic tether cable;

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the connector housing assembly of FIG.47;

FIG. 49 is an exploded perspective view of the connector housingassembly of FIG. 47;

FIG. 50 is another exploded perspective view of the connector housingassembly of FIG. 47;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a connector housing assembly of thehardened fiber optic connector of FIG. 1, wherein the connector housingassembly is configured for terminating a cylindrical fiber optic cablereinforced by reinforcing fibers;

FIG. 52 is an exploded perspective view of the connector housingassembly of FIG. 51;

FIG. 53 is another exploded perspective view of the connector housingassembly of FIG. 51;

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connector housingassembly of FIG. 51, wherein the cross-section is taken through a set offiber clenching teeth;

FIG. 55 is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view of the connectorhousing assembly of FIG. 51, wherein the cross-section is taken throughthe set of fiber clenching teeth;

FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of an example flat fiber optic tethercable;

FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of an example cylindrical fiber opticcable reinforced by reinforcing fibers;

FIG. 58 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the examplecylindrical fiber optic cable of FIG. 58, wherein the reinforcing fibershave been gathered together in two opposing bunches;

FIG. 59 is an exploded partial cross-sectional view of certaincomponents of the connector housing assembly of FIG. 51, including acover, shown in cross-section, and an insert/spring holder;

FIG. 60 is an exploded partial cross-sectional view of the cover and theinsert/spring holder of FIG. 59 with the insert/spring holder shown incross-section;

FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the hardened fiberoptic connector of FIG. 1 configured for terminating the fiber optictether cable of FIG. 3;

FIG. 62 is another cross-sectional perspective view of the hardenedfiber optic connector of FIG. 1 configured for terminating the fiberoptic tether cable of FIG. 3;

FIG. 63 is an exploded perspective view of the hardened fiber opticconnector of FIG. 1 configured for terminating the fiber optic tethercable of FIG. 3;

FIG. 64 is the exploded view of FIG. 63 shown in cross-section;

FIG. 65 is another exploded perspective view of the hardened fiber opticconnector of FIG. 1 configured for terminating the fiber optic tethercable of FIG. 3;

FIG. 66 is the exploded view of FIG. 65 shown in cross-section;

FIG. 67 is an exploded perspective view of the hardened fiber opticconnector of FIG. 1 configured for terminating the cylindrical fiberoptic cable of FIG. 4;

FIG. 68 is the exploded view of FIG. 67 shown in cross-section;

FIG. 69 is another exploded perspective view of the hardened fiber opticconnector of FIG. 1 configured for terminating the cylindrical fiberoptic cable of FIG. 4;

FIG. 70 is the exploded view of FIG. 69 shown in cross-section;

FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the hardened fiberoptic connector of FIG. 1 configured for terminating another cylindricalfiber optic cable;

FIG. 72 is an exploded perspective view of the hardened fiber opticconnector of FIG. 1 configured for terminating the cylindrical fiberoptic cable of FIG. 71;

FIG. 73 is the exploded view of FIG. 72 shown in cross-section;

FIG. 74 is another exploded perspective view of the hardened fiber opticconnector of FIG. 1 configured for terminating the cylindrical fiberoptic cable of FIG. 71;

FIG. 75 is the exploded view of FIG. 74 shown in cross-section;

FIG. 76 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the flange mountablehardened fiber optic adapter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 77 is an exploded view of the hardened fiber optic adapter of FIG.1;

FIG. 78 is the exploded view of FIG. 77 shown in cross-section;

FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional exploded perspective view of the firsthousing piece and the second housing piece of FIG. 18 of the hardenedfiber optic adapter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 80 is another cross-sectional exploded perspective view of thefirst housing piece and the second housing piece of FIG. 18 of thehardened fiber optic adapter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 81 is an exploded perspective view of the fourth arrangement of theexample fiber optic connection system connecting the optical fiberterminated at the SC connector of FIG. 1 with the converted fiber opticconnector of FIG. 9 via another fiber optic adapter;

FIG. 82 is a schematic view illustrating the relationships between thevarious arrangements of the example fiber optic connection system;

FIG. 83 is a perspective view of an alternate converter sleeve similarin function to the converter sleeve of FIG. 16;

FIG. 84 is a cross-sectional top plan view of the converter sleeve ofFIG. 83;

FIG. 85 is a top plan view of the converter sleeve of FIG. 83; and

FIG. 86 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the converter sleeveof FIG. 83.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-17, 81, and 82 depict a fiber optic connection system 600 inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure. In theexamples shown in the Figures, six distinct connection arrangements areillustrated. A first arrangement 610, illustrated at FIGS. 1, 2, and 82,a second arrangement 620, illustrated at FIGS. 5, 6, and 82, a thirdarrangement 630, illustrated at FIGS. 7, 8, and 82, a fourth arrangement640, illustrated at FIGS. 9-12, 81, and 82, and a sixth arrangement 660,illustrated at FIGS. 16, 17, and 82 provide for optically connecting afirst fiber optic cable or fiber to a second fiber optic cable or fiber.A fifth arrangement 650, including arrangements 650C and 650P,illustrated at FIGS. 13-15 and 82 provides for environmentally sealingcomponents when not connected. The six illustrated arrangements 610,620, 630, 640, 650, 660 are exemplarily and should not be interpreted aslimiting the principles of the present disclosure. As further disclosedbelow, the six arrangements 610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660 arecomplimentary with each other and share components and features wherebeneficial. The complimentary nature of the fiber optic connectionsystem 600 provides functional benefits in terms of interchangeabilityand interconnectability, and provides economic benefits in terms ofmanufacturing and logistical efficiency.

The first fiber optic connection system arrangement 610, illustrated atFIGS. 1 and 2, includes a fiber optic adapter 34, a first fiber opticconnector 32 terminating a first cable 20, and a second fiber opticconnector 28 terminating a second fiber optic cable 22. In a preferredembodiment, the adapter 34 can be mounted through a properly sizedopening 18 in an enclosure 19 by sandwiching the enclosure 19 between anadapter flange 48 and an adapter mounting nut 46 (see FIG. 28). Asealing member 17 can be provided to environmentally seal the adapter 34around the opening 18 of the enclosure 19. The adapter 34 includes ahardened first port 35 for receiving the first connector 32 and anunhardened second port 37 for receiving the second connector 28. Oneexample of an adapter is illustrated and described at U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/657,402 entitled HARDENED FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR,filed Jan. 24, 2007, that is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety. In one embodiment, adapters 34 can be mounted to a dropterminal of the type disclosed at U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/075,847, entitled FIBER ACCESS TERMINAL, filed on Mar. 8, 2005, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,292,763, and that is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety. For such embodiments, the first cable 20 can be a dropcable routed to a subscriber premises and the second cable 22 can be aconnectorized fiber from a stub cable that is routed from the dropterminal to a fiber break-out location of a fiber distribution cable.Example fiber break-out configurations are disclosed at U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/491,336, entitled FIBER OPTIC CABLE BREAKOUTCONFIGURATION WITH RETENTION BLOCK, filed on Jul. 21, 2006, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,317,863, and that is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety. In another embodiment, one or more of the adapters can bemounted to a network interface device of the type disclosed at U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/607,676, entitled NETWORK INTERFACEDEVICE, filed on Dec. 1, 2006, and that is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. In such an embodiment, the first cable 20 isan external cable 20 e, such as a drop cable, and the second cable 22 isan internal cable 22 i and can include a connectorized cable/fiberpositioned within the network interface device. Alternatively, the fiberoptic connection system arrangement 610 can also be used without anenclosure (e.g., the adapter 34 can be panel mounted). The first cable20 is optically coupled to the second cable 22 when the connectors 28,32 are positioned within their respective ports 37, 35 of the adapter34. The second connector 28 can be a conventional fiber optic connectorsuch as an SC connector 29. One example of an SC connector 29 isillustrated and described at U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,663, that is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. The enclosure 19 can furtherinclude other optical enclosures/housings (e.g., drop terminals,pedestals, network interface devices, fiber distribution hubs, spliceenclosures, optical network terminals, etc.).

In the depicted embodiment, the first connector 32 and the adapter 34are hardened or ruggedized. By hardened or ruggedized, it is meant thatfirst connector 32 and the adapter 34 are adapted for outsideenvironmental use. For example, the first connector 32 and the adapter34 can include environmental seals for preventing moisture/waterintrusion. Also, it is preferred for the first connector 32 to be ableto withstand a 100 pound axial pull-out force when coupled to theadapter 34.

The fiber optic connector 32 is further illustrated at FIGS. 3 and 4 andincludes a connector housing 39 supporting a ferrule assembly 43. Theconnector housing 39 extends from a distal end 52 to a proximal end 54(distal and proximal are defined with respect to the connection with thefiber optic cable 20 for the connector 32). A coupling nut 40 isrotatably mounted around the connector housing 39 and includes athreaded portion 75. The ferrule assembly 43 mounts adjacent the distalend 52 of the connector housing 39 and a strain relief boot 42 mountsadjacent the proximal end 54 of the connector housing 39.

The first cable 20 is an external cable (e.g., an outside plant cablelocated outside the enclosure) and the second cable 22 is located insidethe enclosure. In such an embodiment, the first cable 20 is adapted tocarry an optical signal to the enclosure and the fiber optic connectionsystem arrangement 610 allows the signal to be transferred from thefirst cable 20 to the second cable 22.

Further details on the first fiber optic connection system arrangement610, including details on the function and construction, are givenbelow.

The second fiber optic connection system arrangement 620, illustrated atFIGS. 5 and 6, includes an SC fiber optic adapter 26, the first fiberoptic connector 32 terminating the first fiber optic cable 20, and thesecond fiber optic connector 28 terminating the second fiber optic cable22. In a preferred embodiment, the SC adapter 26 can be mounted througha properly sized opening in a panel by clipping the panel between anadapter flange(s) 48′ and an adapter mounting clip(s) 46′. The SCadapter 26 includes a first port 35′ for receiving the first connector32 and a second port 37′ for receiving the second connector 28. The SCadapter 26 includes a split sleeve that receives and aligns a ferrulefrom a connector inserted into the first port 35′ with another ferrulefrom another connector inserted into the second port 37′. The splitsleeve of the SC adapter 26 defines an axis A₂ (see FIG. 40). Movementof the connectors 28, 32 into and out of the ports 35′, 37′ is generallyparallel to the axis A₂. The SC adapter 26 also includes two alignmentslots 378. One of the alignment slots 378 extends through a wall of eachof the ports 35′, 37′. The first cable 20 is optically coupled to thesecond cable 22 when the connectors 28, 32 are properly aligned with thealignment slots 378 and positioned within their respective ports 37′,35′ of the SC adapter 26. Either port 35′, 37′ of the SC adapter 26 iscompatible and connectable with either connector 28, 32. Thus the firstconnector 32 can be connected to the second port 37′ and the secondconnector 28 can be connected to the first port 35′. In a preferredembodiment, the second fiber optic connector 28 is an SC connector 29.Alternatively, two of the connectors 32 can be connected to the SCadapter 26, one at each port 35′, 37′. In the second arrangement 620, aslideable lock 50 is attached to the first fiber optic connector(s) 32for securing the connection between the first connector(s) 32 and the SCadapter 26.

Further details on the second fiber optic connection system arrangement620, including details on the function and construction, are givenbelow.

The third fiber optic connection system arrangement 630, illustrated atFIGS. 7 and 8, is the same as the second fiber optic connection systemarrangement 620 except the slideable lock 50 is excluded from the thirdarrangement 630. Further details on the third fiber optic connectionsystem arrangement 630, including details on the function, are givenbelow.

The fourth fiber optic connection system arrangement 640, illustrated atFIGS. 9-12 and 81, includes an example interface converter 190 attachedto the fiber optic connector 32 terminating the cable 20. In a preferredembodiment, the interface converter 190 includes a threaded portion 193compatible with the threaded portion 75 of the coupling nut 40. Apreferred method of attaching the interface converter 190 to the fiberoptic connector 32 involves aligning a first protrusion 132 on theconnector housing 39 with a keyway 197 of the interface converter 190.Upon alignment of the keyway 197 with the first protrusion 132, anopening 196 of the interface converter 190 is slid over the connectorhousing 39 and the threaded portion 75 of the coupling nut 40 is screwedinto the threaded portion 193 of the interface converter 190. Screwingthe threaded portion 75 of the coupling nut 40 into the threaded portion193 continues until a tapered seat 191 (see FIG. 11) of the interfaceconverter 190 is drawn against a tapered seat 131 (see FIG. 12) of theconnector housing 39. The interface converter 190 is thereby securelyattached to the fiber optic connector 32 and converts the fiber opticconnector 32 into a fiber optic connector 198 with a different interfacecompatible with other fiber optic adapters and components. For example,as illustrated at FIG. 81, the example interface converter 190 includesan interface feature 192 which matches and is compatible with aninterface feature 189 of a fiber optic adapter 188. Additionalinformation on such a fiber optic adapter 188 is disclosed at U.S.Provisional Utility Patent Application Ser. No. 60/948,860, entitledINTERFACE CONVERTER FOR SC FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS, filed Jul. 10, 2007and at U.S. Provisional Utility Patent Application Ser. No. 61/004,045,entitled INTERFACE CONVERTER FOR SC FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS, filed Nov.21, 2007 which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In certain embodiments, the converted fiber optic connector 198 isenvironmentally sealed. Environmental sealing between the fiber opticconnector 32 and the interface converter 190 can be accomplished by asealing member 49 (e.g., an O-ring) mounted on the connector housing 39which seals against a sealing surface 199 of the converter 190.Environmental sealing between the converted fiber optic connector 198and the fiber optic adapter 188 or other component may be accomplishedby another O-ring 195.

In a preferred embodiment, the converted fiber optic connector 198 issecurely attached to the fiber optic adapter 188 or other component. Forexample, a coupling nut 194 can include external threads 179 and aninternal piloting diameter 183. Additionally, as illustrated at FIG. 81,the fiber optic adapter 188 includes a hardened port 187 adapted forconnection with the interface converter 190 and the converted fiberoptic connector 198. The hardened port 187 can include threads 185compatible with the threads 179 of the coupling nut 194. The convertedfiber optic connector 198 can thus be plugged into the hardened port 187of the adapter 188 and secured by the coupling nut 194. The orientationbetween the converted connector 198 and the adapter 188 can be alignedby cooperation of the interface features 189 and 192. The interfaceconverter 190 can include an external piloting diameter 181 thatrotatably engages the internal piloting diameter 183 of the coupling nut194. Preferably, the coupling nut 194 and the interface converter 190rotatably and removably connect to each other when the external pilotingdiameter 181 is positioned within the internal piloting diameter 183 bya light manual force. This characteristic can be imparted to thecoupling nut 194/interface converter 190 connection by including aslight draft and/or undercut on either the external piloting diameter181, the internal piloting diameter 183, or both. Preferably, a lightmanual force can disconnect the coupling nut 194 from the interfaceconverter 190. Examples of such attachments are disclosed at theaforementioned U.S. provisional patent applications which wereincorporated by reference above.

Typically, the fourth fiber optic connection system arrangement 640 isemployed when transmitting an optical signal from an external cable,such as the external cable 20 e, to an internal cable, such as theinternal cable 22 i, located within an enclosure. In this case, thehardened port 187 of the adapter 188 is an external port. Opposite thehardened external port 187 is an internal port 186 compatible with aconnector terminating an internal cable such as the SC connector 29terminating the internal cable 22 i. The fiber optic adapter 188,illustrated at FIG. 81, can thus be securely mounted through a hole inan enclosure with the hardened external port 187 accessible from theenclosure's exterior and the internal port 186 accessible from withinthe enclosure. The external cable 20 e can be connected to the hardenedexternal port 187 and the internal cable 22 i can be connected to theinternal port 186. In such an embodiment, the external cable 20 e isadapted to carry the optical signal to the enclosure and the fiber opticconnection system arrangement 640 allows the signal to be transferredfrom the external cable 20 e to the internal cable 22 i. An opticalsignal can likewise be carried by the internal cable 22 i andtransmitted to the external cable 20 e.

The fifth fiber optic connection system arrangement 650, illustrated atFIGS. 13-15, includes a cap 142 attached to the fiber optic connector 32terminating the cable 20 and a plug 146 inserted into the hardened port35 of the fiber optic adapter 34. This arrangement 650 is useful inprotecting optical interfaces of the fiber optic connector 32 and thefiber optic adapter 34 from the environment when not otherwiseconnected.

The arrangement 650 includes arrangement 650C with the cap 142 coveringat least a portion of the connector 32. To install the cap 142 on theconnector 32, the open end of the cap 142 is slid over the connectorhousing 39 and the threaded portion 75 of the coupling nut 40 is screwedinto a threaded portion 157 of the cap 142. Screwing the threadedportion 75 of the coupling nut 40 into the threaded portion 157 of thecap 142 continues until a tapered seat of the cap 142 is drawn againstthe tapered seat 131 of the connector housing 39 (see FIG. 14).Environmental sealing between the fiber optic connector 32 and the cap142 can be accomplished by the sealing member 49 mounted on theconnector housing 39 which seals against a sealing surface of the cap142.

The arrangement 650 also includes arrangement 650P with the plug 146sealing the hardened port 35 of the adapter 34. To install the plug 146in the adapter 34, a threaded portion 158 of the plug 146 is insertedinto the hardened port 35 of the adapter 34 and the threaded portion 158is screwed into a threaded portion 76 of the adapter 34. Screwing thethreaded portion 158 of the plug 146 into the threaded portion 76 of theadapter 34 continues until a tapered seat 77 of the adapter 34 is drawnagainst a tapered seat of the plug 146 (see FIG. 15). Environmentalsealing between the plug 146 and the adapter 34 can be accomplished byan O-ring 141 mounted on the plug 146 which seals against a sealingsurface 74 of the adapter 34.

In a preferred embodiment, additional features are included on the cap142 and the plug 146. The cap 142 can be fitted with an eyelet 139 andserve as a pulling and/or holding fixture for holding or pulling on theconnector 32 (e.g., when routing the cable 20). A first end of a strap144 can be connected to the cap 142 at a connection location 143 and asecond end of the strap 144 can be connected to the strain relief boot42 of the connector 32 at a connection location 145. Similarly, a firstend of a strap 148 can be connected to the plug 146 at a connectionlocation 147 and a second end of the strap 148 can be connected to theadapter 34 at a connection location 149. The adapter 34 can include astrap attachment feature 178, such as a groove (see FIG. 76) forattaching the connection location 149 of the strap 148. In a preferredembodiment, the strap 144 can break away from either the cap 142, thestrain relief boot 42, or both and later be reconnected. In the exampleillustrated at FIGS. 13, 14, and 63, the strap 144 can break away fromthe strain relief boot 42 at the connection location 145. After breakingaway, the strap 144 can be reconnected to the strain relief boot 42 atthe connection location 145. Likewise, the strap 148 can be removed andreattached to the plug 146 and/or the adapter 34.

When the connector 32 is connected to the adapter 34, the plug 146 ofthe adapter 34 may be connected to the cap 142 of the connector 32 andretained by the straps 144, 148 thereby storing the cap 142 and the plug146. The threaded portions 158, 157 of the plug 146 and the cap 142 canbe screwed together creating the connection. When connected, the O-ring141 mounted on the plug 146 may seal against the sealing surface of thecap 142 thus preventing environmental contamination of clean areas ofthe plug 146 and the cap 142.

The sixth fiber optic connection system arrangement 660, illustrated atFIGS. 16 and 17, includes the fiber optic adapter 34 and a fiber opticconnector 28′ terminating a cable 22′. Several details of the adapter 34are described above including the hardened first port 35 and theunhardened second port 37. In a preferred embodiment, the unhardenedsecond port 37 is compatible with the SC connector 29. The hardenedfirst port 35, by itself, is not compatible with the SC connector 29. Toaccommodate connecting the SC connector 29 into the hardened first port35, the sixth connection system arrangement 660 modifies and convertsthe SC connector 29 into the fiber optic connector 28′. The fiber opticconnector 28′ is compatible with the hardened first port 35 of theadapter 34. In summary, a release sleeve 25 (see FIG. 2) is removed fromthe SC connector 29 and a converting sleeve 350 is installed on the SCconnector 29 creating the converted fiber optic connector 28′.

Further details of the sixth fiber optic connection system arrangement660, including details on the function and construction, are givenbelow.

Returning now to the first fiber optic connection system arrangement610, introduced at FIGS. 1 and 2, the methods and features of connectingthe hardened fiber optic connector 32 to the hardened first port 35 ofthe fiber optic adapter 34 will be described in detail. FIGS. 18-28illustrate in detail the connection method and features of thisarrangement 610 with certain components and features shared with theother arrangements 620, 630, 640, 650, 660.

FIGS. 18-21 illustrate alignment features facilitating convenientinsertion of the connector housing 39 of the connector 32 into the firstport 35 of the adapter 34. This insertion is typically done by hand andinitially involves placing a plug portion 56 of the connector housing 39within the threaded portion 76 of the port 35. As the threaded portion76 is generally cylindrical with an inner diameter significantly largerthan the corresponding cross-section of the plug portion 56, the initialplacement accuracy required is within the ability of most people. Thegenerally cylindrical shape of the threaded portion 76 receives anyaxial rotational orientation of the plug portion 56. In addition, thelarger inner diameter of the threaded portion 76 allows other angularand translational misalignments to occur initially.

Before the insertion continues, the axial rotational orientation of theconnector 32 must match the adapter 34 within a pre-determined toleranceto allow a key 152 of the adapter 34 to engage a keyway 133 of theconnector 32 (see FIG. 21). Preferably, an axial rotational orientationindicator 235 (see FIG. 18) is provided on the adapter 34 that can bevisually aligned with the first protrusion 132 (mentioned above) orother mark, such as a third protrusion 138, on the connector 32. Forconvenience and efficiency when inserting, it is beneficial and desiredto have the pre-determined axial rotational orientation tolerance aslarge as practical. To achieve this goal, a preferred embodiment of thepresent disclosure includes corner chamfers 135 on the plug portion 56of the connector housing 39 that engage alignment chamfers 154 of aninner portion 156 of the port 35 (see FIG. 19). In addition, keywaychamfers 137 are included on the keyway 133 to engage key chamfers 153of the key 152 (see FIG. 21) and latch channel chamfers 155 are includedon a latch channel 241 to engage the first protrusion 132 of theconnector housing 39 (see FIG. 19). In a preferred embodiment of thepresent disclosure, an axial rotational orientation tolerance of ±30degrees is achieved between the connector 32 and the first port 35 ofthe adapter 34 at an insertion depth where the plug portion 56 of theconnector housing 39 begins to enter the inner portion 156 of the port35. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, an axial rotationalorientation tolerance of ±20 degrees is achieved between the connector32 and the first port 35 of the adapter 34 at the insertion depth wherethe plug portion 56 of the connector housing 39 begins to enter theinner portion 156 of the port 35.

As the insertion continues, translational and angular misalignments arecorrected and reduced by the features of the preceding paragraph. Inaddition, the tapered seat 77 (mentioned above) of the adapter 34 canalso guide the plug portion 56 of the connector housing 39 into theinner portion 156 of the port 35. The translational and angularmisalignments are sufficiently reduced at an insertion depth where aferrule 100 of the connector 32 reaches an adapter assembly 140 of theadapter 34 that a tapered tip of the ferrule 100 is received within asplit sleeve 202 of the adapter assembly 140. Continued insertion causesan outer diameter of the ferrule 100 to be received by an inner diameterof the split sleeve 202 (see FIG. 23). The fit between the outerdiameter of the ferrule 100 and the inner diameter of the split sleeve202 is sufficiently accurate to allow transmission of a fiber opticsignal between a first fiber within a first ferrule 100 and a secondfiber within a second ferrule 230 when both the first and secondferrules 100, 230 are held by the same split sleeve 202.

The plug portion 56 of the connector housing 39 of the connector 32 issized and shaped to fit within the inner portion 156 of the first port35 of the adapter 34, as shown at FIGS. 21-26. The plug portion 56preferably has a generally rectangular exterior 490 (see FIGS. 49 and50) that mates or matches (e.g., nests, complements) with a generallyrectangular interior 491 (see FIGS. 76-78) of the inner portion 156 ofthe first port 35 accessed through the threaded portion 76 (see FIGS.18, 19, and 21). The generally rectangular exterior 490 and thegenerally rectangular interior 491 each have a generally rectangularform that extends in a distal-to-proximal direction. The rectangularform of the generally rectangular exterior 490 at least partiallydefines the plug portion's 56 exterior, and the rectangular form of thegenerally rectangular interior 491 at least partially defines the innerportion 156 of the first port 35. Injection molding draft angles,fillets, radii, and various other features can depart from the generallyrectangular form of the exterior 490 of the plug portion 56 and theinterior 491 of the inner portion 156 of the first port 35. A squareshape is a particular kind of a rectangular shape and is also referredto by the term “rectangular”.

FIG. 23 illustrates the connection progress at a point where the plugportion 56 has entered the inner portion 156 and the ferrule 100 hasentered the split sleeve 202.

The next step in the connection process involves a latch 250. As shownat FIGS. 23-26, the latch 250 is provided at the inner portion 156 ofthe port 35. The latch 250 has a cantilever arm 240 with a base end 244that is integrally molded with the inner portion 156 (see FIGS. 19, 21,and 22). In a preferred embodiment, the arm 240 extends in a distaldirection from the base end 244 to a free end 246. In other embodiments,the arm 240 can extend in a proximal direction. In still otherembodiments, the arm 240 can extend in other directions such as acircumferential direction. A retention tab 251 is provided adjacent thefree end 246 of the arm 240. The retention tab 251 includes an inclinedregion 249 and a declined region 248 (see FIGS. 28 and 80). In apreferred embodiment, a convexly curved region 253 is provided betweenthe inclined region 249 and the declined region 248 (see FIG. 80). Inother embodiments, a retention tab plateau is provided between theinclined region 249 and the declined region 248 (see FIGS. 25 and 28).In still other embodiments, other shapes can be provided on theretention tab 251 between the inclined region 249 and the declinedregion 248. The arm 240 is configured to flex as the plug portion 56 ofthe connector housing 39 is inserted into the inner portion 156 of thefirst port 35 of the adapter 34, and to provide a snap-fit connectionbetween the connector 32 and the adapter 34 when the plug portion 56 isfully inserted into the inner portion 156. For example, as shown atFIGS. 24-26, the retention tab 251 snaps between the first protrusion132 and a second protrusion 134 of the connector housing 39 when theplug portion 56 is fully inserted into the inner portion 156.

When inserting the plug portion 56 of the connector housing 39 into theinner portion 156 of the first port 35 of the adapter 34, the arm 240 ofthe latch 250 is flexed away from a central longitudinal axis A₁ of theconnector 32 as the inclined region 249 of the retention tab 251 comesinto contact with an inclined region 252 of the first protrusion 132 ofthe connector housing 39. Alternatively, the inclined region 249 of theretention tab 251 comes into contact with a corner 255 of the firstprotrusion 132. An insertion force, applied at the connector 32, isrequired to flex the arm 240 of the latch 250. In a preferredembodiment, the insertion force is between four and six pounds. In otherembodiments, the insertion force is between two and nine pounds. The arm240 is designed of a material capable of flexing under an applied load,such as a plastic. Insertion of the plug portion 56 into the port 35continues until the inclined region 252 of the first protrusion 132passes by the inclined region 249 of the retention tab 251. After theinclined region 252 of the first protrusion 132 is entirely past theinclined region 249 of the retention tab 251, the declined region 248 ofthe retention tab 251 comes into contact with a declined region 254 ofthe first protrusion 132. A restoring force generated by the flexing ofthe arm 240 causes the retention tab 251 to return toward the un-flexedposition as the declined regions 248, 254 proceed pass each other.Insertion continues until the declined region 254 of the firstprotrusion 132 is completely, or almost completely, past the retentiontab 251 of the arm 240. At this point, compression of the arm 240 by theconnector 32 is released or mostly released, such that the arm 240returns to or near its uncompressed state. Alternatively, the connector32 can be designed to retain a significant portion of the compression ofarm 240.

One of the benefits of the latch mechanism is that it provides a holdingforce that inhibits removal of the first connector 32 from the firstport 35 of the adapter 34, such as to resist unintentional disengagementof the first connector 32 from the first port 35. For example, if thefirst connector 32 begins to move in a direction away from the firstport 35, the declined regions 248, 254 come into contact with eachother. At this point, in order for the first connector 32 to be removedfrom the first port 35, a pull-out force must be applied in a directionaway from the first port 35 sufficient to cause the arm 240 to compressas the declined regions 248, 254 are pulled across each other. Thepull-out force required can be configured to be greater or lesser byproperly selecting the strength of the arm 240, and/or also by properlyselecting slopes α₁, α₂ of the declined regions 254, 248 (see FIGS. 27and 28). In a preferred embodiment, the pull-out force is between sixand eight pounds. In other embodiments, the pull-out force is betweenthree and eleven pounds. The snap-fit configuration of the latch 250also provides a physical and audible indication that the first connector32 has been fully inserted into the first port 35 of the adapter 34.

In one embodiment, illustrated at FIGS. 23 and 27, the inclined region252 of the first protrusion 132 of the connector housing 39 has an angleof incline illustrated as β₁ and the declined region 254 of the firstprotrusion 132 has the above mentioned angle of decline illustrated asα₁. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle β₁ is less than the angleα₁. The benefit of this is that the latch 250 will allow easierinsertion of the first connector 32 into the adapter 34 than it willallow removal, because the decreased angle of incline (β₁) will notpresent as much resistance to insertion as the increased angle ofdecline (α₁) will present to removal. In one example, the angle α₁ is atleast 1.5 times or two times the angle β₁. In another example, the angleα₁ is about equal to angle β₁. It is recognized, however, that anyangles may be formed for angles α₁ and β₁. In one example, angles α₁ andβ₁ are in a range from about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees, andpreferably from 15 degrees to about 85 degrees. In another example,angle β₁ is in a range from about 15 degrees to about 45 degrees andangle α₁ is in a range from about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees.

In another embodiment, illustrated at FIG. 61, angle β₁ is greater than70 degrees and less than 90 degrees and preferably is between 75 degreesand 85 degrees. In this example, the angle α₁ ranges between 50 degreesand 70 degrees and preferably between 55 degrees and 65 degrees.

As illustrated at FIG. 28, the inclined region 249 of the retention tab251 of the latch 250 has an angle of incline illustrated as β₂ and thedeclined region 248 of the retention tab 251 has the above mentionedangle of decline illustrated as α₂. In the illustrated embodiment, theangle β₂ is less than the angle α₂. The benefit of this is that thelatch 250 will allow easier insertion of the first connector 32 into theadapter 34 than it will allow removal, because the decreased angle ofincline (β₂) will not present as much resistance to insertion as theincreased angle of decline (α₂) will present to removal. In one example,the angle α₂ is at least 1.5 times or two times the angle β₂. In anotherexample, the angle α₂ is about equal to angle β₂. It is recognized,however, than any angles may be formed for angles α₂ and β₂. In oneexample, angles α₂ and β₂ are in a range from about 0 degrees to about90 degrees, and preferably from 15 degrees to about 85 degrees. Inanother example, angle β₂ is in a range from about 15 degrees to about45 degrees and angle α₂ is in a range from about 30 degrees to about 90degrees. In a preferred embodiment, α₂ ranges between 50 degrees and 70degrees and in a more preferred embodiment ranges between 55 degrees and65 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, β₂ ranges between 20 degrees and40 degrees and in a more preferred embodiment ranges between 25 degreesand 35 degrees.

In a preferred embodiment, the angles α₁ and α₂ are chosen, along withother latch 250 geometry and material, such that a spring 102 within theconnector 32 can be sufficiently compressed by the latch 250 (i.e., thelatch 250 has a holding force that is greater than a biasing forcegenerated by the spring 102). The spring 102 functions to hold theferrule 100 against the opposing ferrule 230 of the second connector 28when both ferrules 100, 230 are received within the split sleeve 202 ofthe adapter assembly 140. By sufficiently compressing the spring 102,the latch 250 will remain engaged after insertion and hold the firstconnector 32 within the adapter 34 even in the presence of the secondconnector 28. Other loads, such as gravity, can also be considered whenselecting the angles α₁ and α₂.

In the example shown at FIGS. 26-28, the angle α₁ is approximately equalto the angle α₂ and the angle β₁ is approximately equal to the angle β₂.In another example, shown at FIGS. 61 and 80, the angle α₁ isapproximately equal to the angle α₂ but the angle β₁ is not equal to theangle β₂. In still other examples, the angle α₁ is not equal to theangle α₂ and/or the angle β₁ is not equal to the angle β₂.

In another example, the angles α₁ and/or α₂ can be about 90 degrees,such that the declined regions 248 and/or 254 extend generallyperpendicular to the arm 240. In this example, the declined regions 248and/or 254 will not readily permit the arm 240 of the latch 250 to beflexed by the mere application of a force in a direction away from theport 35 and thereby not permit removal of the first connector 32 fromthe adapter 34. Rather, the latch 250 can be manually released, such asby manually lifting the latch 250. The latch 250 can be lifted, forexample, by inserting a narrow release tool through an opening to liftthe latch 250. Alternatively, a tab can be formed attached to the arm240. The tab can include another arm that extends through the wall ofthe adapter 34, such that when the tab is lifted, the arm lifts thelatch 250, enabling the first connector 32 to be removed from the firstport 35 of the adapter 34.

In certain embodiments, illustrated at FIGS. 26 and 27, the inclined anddeclined regions 252 and 254 of the first protrusion 132 meet at a peak,having a height H1 above an adjacent area of the plug portion 56 of theconnector housing 39. In other embodiments, illustrated at FIG. 61, theinclined and declined regions 252 and 254 of the first protrusion 132meet a protrusion plateau, having height H1 above the adjacent area ofthe plug portion 56. In certain embodiments, illustrated at FIGS. 26 and28, the inclined and declined regions 249 and 248 of the retention tab251 meet the retention tab plateau having a height H3 which is alsoapproximately the height that the arm 240 is above the adjacent area ofthe plug portion 56. In other embodiments, illustrated at FIG. 80, theinclined and declined regions 249 and 248 of the retention tab 251 meetat a peak having height H3. The heights H1 and H3 influence the amountof flexing away from the axis A₁ induced on the arm 240 of the latch 250when connecting and disconnecting the connector 32 and the adapter 34.To ensure that the latch 250 is not inhibited from movement by anadjacent portion of the adapter 34, a latch clearance area 242, with aheight H4, is provided above the arm 240 (see FIGS. 20, 26, 28, 79, and80). In one example, heights H1 and H3 are about equal to height H4.Alternatively, height H4 is larger than heights H1 and H3 to ensure thatthe latch 250 is not inhibited from movement by the adjacent portion ofthe adapter 34. Alternatively, height H4 can be less than heights H1 andH3, so long as adequate space is provided to enable the retention tab251 of the latch 250 to be appropriately inserted between the firstprotrusion 132 and the second protrusion 134 of the connector housing39.

FIG. 24 illustrates the connection progress at a point where theretention tab 251 of the latch 250 is seated between the firstprotrusion 132 and the second protrusion 134 of the connector housing39.

The next step in the connection process involves the coupling nut 40.The coupling nut 40 of the first connector 32 is adapted to provide asecond connection mechanism for securing the first connector 32 to theadapter 34. After the latch 250 has interlocked with the adapter 34, thethreaded portion 75 of the coupling nut 40 can be threaded into thecorresponding threaded portion 76 provided within the first port 35 soas to provide a second connection with the adapter 34. The coupling nut40 provides a connection between the first connector 32 and the adapter34 that has a substantially greater pull-out resistance as compared tothe pull-out resistance provided by the latch 250. In one exampleembodiment, the coupling nut 40 retains the first connector 32 in thefirst port 35 even if a pull-out force of at least 100 pounds is appliedto the first connector 32.

As illustrated at FIGS. 3 and 4, the coupling nut 40 of the firstconnector 32 includes a first region 180 and a second region 182. Thefirst region 180 includes a plurality of grooves 184 to facilitategrasping of the first region 180, such as by a field technician or otheruser during connection or disconnection of the connector 32 with theadapter 34. The grooves 184 are, for example, a plurality oflongitudinally oriented grooves that enable a user to more easily rotatethe coupling nut 40. Turning of the coupling nut 40 enables a connectionmeans of the second region 182 to engage or disengage with the adapter34. In the illustrated embodiment, the second region 182 includes aconnection means of exterior screw threads 75 adapted to mate withinternal threads 76 provided within the first port 35 of the adapter 34.In another embodiment, other connection means may also be used.

Upon continued screwing of the threaded portion 75 of the coupling nut40 into the threaded portion 76 of the first port 35, a first endsurface 115 (shown at FIGS. 24 and 44) of the coupling nut 40 abuts acircumferential shoulder 113 of the connector housing 39. Furthertightening of the threaded portion 75 draws the tapered seat 77 of theadapter 34 (see FIGS. 23 and 24) against the tapered seat 131 of theconnector housing 39 thereby finalizing the connection. As shown at FIG.27, the tapered seat 131 is illustrated as having an angle ε₁ withrespect to the central longitudinal axis A₁. In a preferred embodiment,the angle ε₁ ranges from about 15 degrees to 45 degrees. In a morepreferred embodiment, the angle ε₁ ranges from about 25 degrees to 35degrees. In other embodiments, any angle ε₁ can be used. As shown atFIG. 28, the tapered seat 77 is illustrated as having an angle ε₂ withrespect to a central longitudinal axis A₁′ of the adapter 34. In apreferred embodiment, the angle ε₂ ranges from about 15 degrees to 45degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle ε₂ ranges from about25 degrees to 35 degrees. In other embodiments, any angle ε₂ can beused.

Environmental sealing between the fiber optic connector 32 and theadapter 34 can be accomplished by the sealing member 49 mounted on theconnector housing 39 which seals against the sealing surface 74 of theadapter 34 (see FIGS. 3, 4, 15, 25, and 26).

FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate the connection process completed with thethreaded portion 75 of the coupling nut 40 fully engaged within thethreaded portion 76 of the adapter 34 and the tapered seats 77, 131seated to each other.

The inclusion of the coupling nut 40 and related features such as thecircumferential shoulder 113 in the first fiber optic connection systemarrangement 610 is optional as a functional connection is provided bythe latch 250, as described above, without the coupling nut 40.Likewise, the latch 250 and related features such as the firstprotrusion 132 are also optional in the first fiber optic connectionsystem arrangement 610 as a functional connection is provided by thecoupling nut 40, as described above, without the latch 250.

Returning now to the second fiber optic connection system arrangement620, introduced at FIGS. 5 and 6, the methods and features of connectingthe hardened fiber optic connector 32 to the SC adapter 26, includingthe implementation of the slideable lock 50, will be described indetail. FIGS. 29-42 illustrate in detail the connection method andfeatures of this arrangement 620 with certain components and featuresshared with the other arrangements 610, 630, 640, 650, 660.

FIG. 29 further illustrates the connector 32 incorporating the slideablelock 50. In an example embodiment, the slideable lock 50 includes athreaded region 380 (see FIGS. 30 and 31) compatible with the threadedportion 75 of the coupling nut 40 and a retention tab 51 that interfaceswith the first, second, and third protrusions 132, 134, 138 of theconnector housing 39. As shown at FIGS. 6, 29, 33, 34, and 42, theretention tab 51 is first aligned with the first, second, and thirdprotrusions 132, 134, 138 and then the threaded portion 75 of thecoupling nut 40 is threaded into the threaded region 380 of theslideable lock 50. The coupling nut 40 is limited in its axial movementby the circumferential shoulder 113 of the connector housing 39 abuttingthe first end surface 115 of the coupling nut 40 in a distal directionand the strain relief boot 42 of the connector 32 abutting a second endsurface 119 of the coupling nut 40 in a proximal direction (see FIG.34). Upon connection of the slideable lock 50 to the coupling nut 40,the slideable lock 50 is likewise constrained in the axial direction andcan be further constrained by the tapered seat 131 of the connectorhousing 39 contacting a tapered seat 382 of the slideable lock 50 (seeFIG. 33). Anti-rotation guides 384 of the slideable lock 50 areconstrained by the generally rectangular exterior 490 of the plugportion 56 of the connector housing 39 and keep the slideable lock 50from rotating significantly (see FIGS. 29-31). The example embodiment ofthe slideable lock 50 is thus constrained to linearly move between alocked position, as illustrated at FIGS. 33 and 36, and an unlockedposition, as illustrated at FIGS. 34 and 37.

To initiate connection of the fiber optic connector 32, with theslideable lock 50 installed, to the SC adapter 26, the slideable lock 50is first slid in the proximal direction until the tapered seat 382 ofthe slideable lock 50 seats against the tapered seat 131 of theconnector housing 39 (the unlocked position). The retention tab 51 ofthe slideable lock 50 is then aligned with the slot 378 on the SCadapter 26 and the plug portion 56 of the connector 32 is inserted intoeither the first or second port 35′, 37′ (see FIG. 35) of the SC adapter26. Attempting to initiate this connection without the retention tab 51and the slot 378 aligned or without the slideable lock 50 in theunlocked position results in various features of the slideable lock 50,the connector housing 39, and the SC adapter 26 forming barriers to theconnection. For example, as illustrated at FIGS. 32-34, when theconnector 32 is functionally connected with the SC adapter 26, theretention tab 51 of the slideable lock 50 is located within the slot 378on the SC adapter 26. Without proper alignment between the retention tab51 and the slot 378, the retention tab 51 interferes with the insertionof the connector 32 and the SC adapter 26 thus providing a barrier toimproperly connecting them.

In a preferred embodiment, the retention tab 51 is mounted on acantilevered arm 90 and provides a detent function in conjunction withthe first protrusion 132, the second protrusion 134, and the thirdprotrusion 138 of the connector housing 39 of the connector 32. Forexample, as shown at FIGS. 33 and 42, the retention tab 51 snaps betweenthe first protrusion 132 and the second protrusion 134 when theslideable lock 50 is in the locked position. Likewise, as shown at FIG.34, the retention tab 51 snaps between the second protrusion 134 and thethird protrusion 138 when the slideable lock 50 is in the unlockedposition. In particular, as illustrated at FIG. 42, the retention tab 51includes an inclined region 386, defined by angle γ₂, and a declinedregion 388, defined by angle δ₂. The second protrusion 134 of theconnector housing 39 has a corresponding inclined region 258, defined byangle γ₁, and a corresponding declined region 256, defined by angle δ₁(see FIG. 27).

A lock actuating force is applied to the slideable lock 50 to move theslideable lock 50 from the unlocked position to the locked position. Ina preferred embodiment, the lock actuating force ranges from 4 pounds to6 pounds. In other embodiments, the lock actuating force ranges from 2pounds to 8 pounds. In still other embodiments, other lock actuatingforces can be used. As the slideable lock 50 is moved from the unlockedposition to the locked position, the inclined regions 258, 386 engageand slide across each other causing the cantilevered arm 90 to flex. Atsome point, the inclined regions 258, 386 disengage and the declinedregions 256, 388 engage each other. Further movement towards the lockedposition results in sliding between the declined regions 256, 388 andcauses the cantilevered arm 90 to un-flex. The detent function therebyprovides a stable holding position to the slideable lock 50 at thelocked position and the unlocked position.

The above locking procedure can be reversed to enable removal of thefiber optic connector 32, including the slideable lock 50, from the SCadapter 26. An unlock actuating force is applied to the slideable lock50 to move the slideable lock 50 from the locked position to theunlocked position. In a preferred embodiment, the unlock actuating forceranges from 4 pounds to 6 pounds. In other embodiments, the unlockactuating force ranges from 2 pounds to 8 pounds. In still otherembodiments, other unlock actuating forces can be used. As the slideablelock 50 is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position, thedeclined regions 256, 388 engage and slide across each other causing thecantilevered arm 90 to flex. At some point, the declined regions 256,388 disengage and the inclined regions 258, 386 engage each other.Further movement towards the unlocked position results in slidingbetween the inclined regions 258, 386 and causes the cantilevered arm 90to un-flex (see FIGS. 33, 34, and 42).

As in the discussion on angles α₁, β₁, α₂, and β₂ above, the angles γ₁,δ₁, γ₂, and δ₂ can be selected to impart desired characteristics to thedetent function. These characteristics can include a holding force whenin the locked position, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the angles δ₁and δ₂ range from 40 degrees to 50 degrees and the angles γ₁ and γ₂range from 55 degrees to 65 degrees. In other embodiments, the angles δ₁and δ₂ range from 30 degrees to 60 degrees and the angles γ₁ and γ₂range from 45 degrees to 75 degrees. In still other embodiments, otherangles γ₁, δ₁, γ₂, and δ₂ can be used.

As illustrated at FIGS. 30, 31, and 41, the slideable lock 50 includesan opposing pair of wedges 390 defined, in part, by an angle λ. In apreferred embodiment, the angle λ ranges from 4.8 degrees to 5.8degrees. In other embodiments, the angle λ ranges from 4.0 degrees to6.6 degrees. In still other embodiments, another angle λ can be used. Ina preferred embodiment, the wedges 390 are integral with the slideablelock 50 and penetrate into the port 35′ or 37′ of the SC adapter 26 whenthe connector 32, including the lock 50, is connected to the SC adapter26. Further details on the wedges 390 and their function are givenbelow.

The SC adapter 26 of the present disclosure has certain provisions toaccommodate the slideable lock 50. These include a plurality of wedgeholding regions 372 defined within the housing 370 of the SC adapter 26to hold and support the wedges 390 when inserted into the SC adapter 26.The slot 378 on the SC adapter 26 also accommodates the slideable lock50. As illustrated at FIGS. 32, 33, and 38, the first protrusion 132,the second protrusion 134, and the third protrusion 138 of the connectorhousing 39 and the retention tab 51 of the slideable lock 50 can fitwithin the slot 378 on the SC adapter 26 while the connector 32,including the lock 50, is connected to, connected with, and disconnectedfrom the SC adapter 26.

Turning now to a brief discussion of certain features and functions ofthe SC adapter 26 and the SC connector 29 as they relate to theinstallation and retention of the fiber optic connector 32 into the SCadapter 26. As illustrated at FIGS. 35 and 40, the SC adapter 26includes a plurality of connector retention clips 376 each including ahook 374 mounted on a cantilevered arm 377. The hooks 374 are defined,in part, by a hooking surface 375 defined by an angle ω. As is known inthe art, such hooks are used to secure a typical SC connector within atypical SC adapter. The hooks 374 of the retention clips 376 of the SCadapter 26 of the present disclosure also can be used to secure the SCconnector 29 as illustrated at FIGS. 5 and 6. The cantilevered arms 377of the connector retention clips 376 are configured to flex outwardlywhen the SC connector 29 is inserted into the SC adapter 26 allowing thehooking surfaces 375 of the hooks 374 to each reach behind a latch bar21 of the SC connector 29 (see FIG. 6). Upon full insertion of the SCconnector 29 into the SC adapter 26, the hooking surfaces 375 are behindthe latch bars 21 and the cantilevered arms 377 un-flex thus engagingthe hooking surfaces 375 behind the latch bars 21. After the SCconnector 29 has been connected to the SC adapter 26, the hookingsurfaces 375 of the hooks 374 cannot be directly disengaged from thelatch bars 21 simply by pulling on the SC connector 29. The latch bars21 of the SC connector 29 extend near perpendicular to the direction ofinsertion/retraction and do not lift the hooking surfaces 375 (at theangle ω) when pulled. To release the SC connector 29 from the SC adapter26, the release sleeve 25 (mentioned above) of the SC connector 29 ispulled in the direction of retraction. The release sleeve 25 has rampedsurfaces which outwardly flex the cantilevered arms 377 when the releasesleeve 25 is pulled thus releasing the SC connector 29 from the SCadapter 26.

In contrast to the SC connector 29 of the preceding paragraph, the fiberoptic connector 32 has no release sleeve. Nonetheless, the connector 32has provisions for connecting to and releasing from the SC adapter 26. Apair of ramps 53 is provided on the plug portion 56 of the connectorhousing 39 of the connector 32. The ramps 53 are defined, in part, by anangle θ, illustrated at FIG. 41. In a preferred embodiment, the angle θranges from 25 degrees to 35 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle θranges from 20 degrees to 40 degrees. In still other embodiments, otherangles can be used for the angle θ. As the plug portion 56 is insertedwith an insertion force into the port 35′ or 37′ of the SC adapter 26,the ramps 53 spread the corresponding hooks 374 outwardly apart and thusalso cause the cantilevered arms 377 of the connector retention clips376 to flex outwardly. In a preferred embodiment, the insertion forcerequired to insert the plug portion 56 into the port 35′, 37′ of the SCadapter 26 ranges from 2.5 pounds to 3.5 pounds. In other embodiments,the plug insertion force ranges from 2 pounds to 4 pounds. A pair ofdetents 55 (e.g., recesses or depressions) is provided on the plugportion 56 of the connector housing 39 of the connector 32. As theinsertion continues, the hooks 374 are forced into the detents 55 as thecantilevered arms 377 un-flex. The detents 55 each have a declinedsurface 57 illustrated at FIG. 40 at an angle ρ from a centrallongitudinal axis A₁ of the connector 32. Preferably, the angle ρ ischosen such that the force provided by the cantilevered arms 377 on thehooks 374 in combination with the declined surfaces 57 providessufficient force at the ferrule 100 to sufficiently compress the ferrulespring 102. In a preferred embodiment, the angle ρ ranges from 40degrees to 50 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle ρ ranges from 30degrees to 60 degrees.

Direct removal of the connector 32 from the SC adapter 26 by applicationof a pulling force or a removal force is enabled by the declinedsurfaces 57 which act as ramps to spread the corresponding hooks 374outwardly apart and thus also cause the cantilevered arms 377 of theconnector retention clips 376 to flex outwardly. In a preferredembodiment, the removal force required to remove the plug portion 56 ofthe connector housing 39 of the connector 32 from the SC adapter 26ranges from 2.5 pounds to 3.5 pounds. In other embodiments, the plugremoval force ranges from 2 pounds to 4 pounds.

Returning now to the slideable lock 50. If direct removal of theconnector 32 is undesired, the slideable lock 50 can be preassembledonto the connector 32 before the connector 32 is installed into the SCadapter 26. After connecting the slideable lock 50 to the coupling nut40 of the connector 32, the slideable lock 50 is preferably slid to theunlocked position as the locked position would interfere with assemblingthe connector 32 to the SC adapter 26. After connecting the connector32, with the slideable lock 50 installed, to the SC adapter 26, theconnection can be locked by sliding the slideable lock 50 to the lockedposition. Sliding the slideable lock 50 from the unlocked position,illustrated at FIG. 37, to the locked position, illustrated at FIG. 36,moves the wedges 390 between the hooks 374 of connector retention clips376 and the wedge holding regions 372 of the housing 370 of the SCadapter 26. The wedges 390 prevent the hooks 374 of the retention clips376 from moving outward thereby trapping the hooks 374 within thedetents 55. The connector 32 is thereby locked to the SC adapter 26. Theconnector 32 can be unlocked from the SC adapter 26 simply by slidingthe slideable lock 50 from the locked position to the unlocked position.

As illustrated at FIG. 41 and mentioned above, the wedges are defined,in part, by the angle λ. The angle λ can be chosen to impart desiredcharacteristics to the slideable lock 50. These characteristics caninclude a release force or a part of a release force required to unlockthe slideable lock 50, etc.

The various angled surfaces described in the present disclosure,including those referenced by angles α₁, α₂, β₁, β₂, γ₁, γ₂, δ₁, δ₂, ε₁,ε₂, θ, λ, ρ, and ω, can be planar surfaces in certain embodiments. Inother embodiments, the various angled surfaces are non-planar and havevarying angles at various locations on the angled surface. In certainembodiments, the varying angles are projected and form an extruded,two-dimensional angled surface. In other embodiments, the varying anglesvary in three dimensions. Prudent selection of the varying angles can beused to impart desired characteristics and behaviors to the varioussurfaces.

Returning now to the third fiber optic connection system arrangement 630introduced at FIGS. 7 and 8. It may be desired to connect the connector32, without the slideable lock 50, to the SC adapter 26 as illustratedat FIG. 39. Such an arrangement 630 allows the direct connection andremoval of the connector 32 from the SC adapter 26. Characteristics ofthis arrangement 630 are discussed in detail above as certain featuresand characteristics are closely related to the second fiber opticconnection system arrangement 620.

As mentioned above and illustrated at FIGS. 32 and 33, the retention tab51 of the slideable lock 50 occupies the slot 378 on the SC adapter 26when a proper connection of the second fiber optic connection systemarrangement 620 is made. In addition, the retention tab 51 forms abarrier to improper connections. As illustrated at FIGS. 7 and 38, thefirst protrusion 132 of the connector housing 39 also occupies the slot378 on the SC adapter 26 when a proper connection of the second or thirdfiber optic connection system arrangements 620 or 630 is made. Inaddition, the first protrusion 132 also forms a barrier to improperconnections. However, the inclined region 252 of the first protrusion132 can act as a ramp and spread open the ports 35′, 37′ potentiallyallowing an improper connection. Therefore, as shown at FIG. 61, theangle β₁ of the inclined region 252 of the first protrusion 132 can beselected sufficiently steep to allow the first protrusion 132 tofunction as an improper insertion barrier. The angle β₁ can thus beselected in the range greater than 70 degrees and less than 90 degreesand preferably between 75 degrees and 85 degrees.

Returning now to the sixth fiber optic connection system arrangement660, introduced at FIGS. 16 and 17. As mentioned above, it may bedesired to connect the SC connector 29 to the hardened first port 35 ofthe fiber optic adapter 34. According to the present disclosure, thiscan be accomplished by removing the release sleeve 25 (see FIG. 6) fromthe SC connector 29 as a first step. As illustrated at FIGS. 44-46,removing the release sleeve 25 significantly reduces the cross-sectionalsize of the (now modified) SC connector 29, exposes a connector body 23,and makes the pair of latch bars 21 available for other use. Theconverting sleeve 350, mentioned above, is then snapped over theconnector body 23 as shown at FIG. 43 creating the converted connector28′ which is compatible and connectable with the hardened first port 35of the fiber optic adapter 34.

The converting sleeve 350 is configured to secure the connector body 23of the SC connector 29 (without the release sleeve 25) to the first port35 of the fiber optic adapter 34. An inner portion 352 of the convertingsleeve 350 is configured to match the connector body 23. A pair ofopenings 354 in the converting sleeve 350 each extend through the innerportion 352 and are configured to fit around the pair of latch bars 21of the connector body 23. A pair of lips 356 of the converting sleeve350 snaps around the connector body 23. In a preferred embodiment, theconverting sleeve 350 can only be assembled to the connector body 23 ina unique and predetermined orientation. For example, one or moreinterior chamfers or radii 358 of the converting sleeve 350 (see FIG.44) may uniquely match one or more exterior chamfers or radii 24 of theconnector body 23 (see FIG. 45). By limiting assembly of the convertingsleeve 350 to a single orientation about the connector body 23, theconnection of the converted SC connector 28′ to the fiber optic adapter34 can also be limited to a single orientation and the rotationalorientation of the SC connector 29 can be continued to the adapter 34.

An exterior 359 of the converting sleeve 350 is configured to becompatible with the hardened first port 35 of the fiber optic adapter34. Thus, the exterior 359 of the converting sleeve 350 resembles anexterior 31 of the connector housing 39 of the connector 32 (see FIGS.22 and 43). In particular, a first protrusion 132′ resembles andfunctions similar to the first protrusion 132 of the connector 32, asecond protrusion 134′ resembles and functions similar to the secondprotrusion 134 of the connector 32, a circumferential shoulder 113′resembles and functions similar to the circumferential shoulder 113 ofthe connector 32, and a tapered seat 131′ resembles and functionssimilar to the tapered seat 131 of the connector 32.

The coupling nut 40 can be used to secure the converted connector 28′within the first port 35 of the fiber optic adapter 34 in essentiallythe same way that it secures the connector 32 within the first port 35of the adapter 34. The coupling nut 40 is preferably positioned over thecable 22′, as illustrated at FIG. 45, before the converting sleeve 350is applied to the connector body 23.

After attachment of the converting sleeve 350 to the connector body 23,the first protrusion 132′ of the converting sleeve 350 is aligned withthe axial rotational orientation indicator 235 of the adapter 34. Theconverted SC connector 28′ is then inserted into the first port 35 ofthe fiber optic adapter 34. The threaded portion 75 of the coupling nut40 is then screwed into the threaded portion 76 of the first port 35 asillustrated at FIGS. 16 and 43. The first end surface 115 of thecoupling nut 40 abuts the circumferential shoulder 113′ of theconverting sleeve 350. Further tightening of the threaded portion 75draws the tapered seat 77 of the adapter 34 against the tapered seat131′ of the converting sleeve 350 thereby finalizing the connection.

The inclusion of the coupling nut 40 and related features such as thecircumferential shoulder 113′ in the sixth fiber optic connection systemarrangement 660 is optional as a functional connection is provided bythe latch 250 of the adapter 34, (as described above) without thecoupling nut 40. Likewise, the latch 250 and related features such asthe first protrusion 132′ are also optional in the sixth fiber opticconnection system arrangement 660 as a functional connection is providedby the coupling nut 40, as described above, without the latch 250.

As illustrated at FIG. 82, inclusion of the coupling nut 40 yields afiber optic connection system arrangement 662, and exclusion of thecoupling nut 40 yields a fiber optic connection system arrangement 664.Both arrangements 662 and 664 are versions of the sixth fiber opticconnection system arrangement 660.

FIGS. 83-86 show a modified converting sleeve 350′ that serves the samefunction as the converting sleeve 350. An exterior 359′ of theconverting sleeve 350′ is configured to be compatible with the hardenedfirst port 35 of the fiber optic adapter 34. For example, the exteriorof the converter sleeve 350′ includes a first protrusion 132″ resemblingand functioning similar to the first protrusion 132 of the connector 32,a second protrusion 134″ resembling and functioning similar to thesecond protrusion 134 of the connector 32, a circumferential shoulder113″ resembling and functioning similar to the circumferential shoulder113 of the connector 32 and a tapered seat 131″ resembling andfunctioning similar to the tapered seat 131 of the connector 32. Theconverting sleeve 350′ includes a pair of openings 354′ adapted toreceive the latch bars 21 of the connector body 23 when the convertingsleeve 350′ is mounted on the connector body 23. The converting sleeve350′ also includes structure for allowing the converting sleeve 350′ tobe axially inserted over the connector body 23 after the release sleeve25 of the connector body 23 has been removed. For example, theconverting sleeve 350′ includes first and second slots 351, 353positioned at one side of the converting sleeve 350′ and a third slot355 positioned at an opposite side of the converting sleeve 350′. Thefirst and second protrusions 132″ and 134″ are positioned on acantilever member defined between the first and second slots 351, 353. Arear end of the converting sleeve 350′ includes a flexible tab 357including a bump 361.

To mount the converting sleeve 350′ on the connector body 23 of an SCconnector, the release sleeve 25 of the SC connector is initiallyremoved. After removal of the release sleeve 25, the plug end of the SCconnector body 23 is inserted axially into the rear end of theconverting sleeve 350′. Axial insertion continues in a rear-to-forwarddirection until the latch bars 21 of the connector body 23 snap withinthe openings 354′ of the converting sleeve 350′. The slots 351, 353, and355 of the converting sleeve 350′ allow the front end of the convertingsleeve 350′ to flex radially outwardly during insertion of the connectorbody 23 therein so that the inner passage defined by the front end ofthe converting sleeve 350′ opens sufficiently large to allow the latchbars 21 to snap into the openings 354′. Ramps 363 can be provided oninner surfaces of the converting sleeve 350′ adjacent the openings 354′.When the connector body 23 is inserted axially into the interior of theconverting sleeve 350′, the latch bars 21 engage the ramps 363 causingthe front end of the converting sleeve 350′ to spread radially openthereby allowing the latch bars 21 to snap into the openings 354′.

Prior to mounting the converting sleeve 350′ on the connector body 23,the coupling nut 40 can be pre-inserted over the cable to which theconnector body 23 is terminated. After the converting sleeve 350′ ismounted over the connector body 23, the coupling nut 40 is slidforwardly over the back end of the converting sleeve 350′ and isretained on the rear end of the converting sleeve 350′ by a snap-fitconnection provided by the flexible tab 357 and the bump 361.

The first, second, third, fourth, and fifth fiber optic connectionsystem arrangements 610, 620, 630, 640, 650 disclosed above each use thefiber optic connector 32 terminating the first cable 20. According tothe present disclosure, the cable 20 may take various forms and theconnector 32 can be adapted to terminate the various forms of the cable20. In preferred embodiments, the cable 20 is reinforced to providetensile strength adequate for a given application. In a first exampleembodiment, the cable 20 is a tether cable 20 t, as illustrated at FIG.56. Such a tether cable 20 t includes an outer jacket 226, a centralbuffer tube 220 positioned around an optical fiber 500, and strengthmembers 224 positioned on opposite sides of the central buffer tube 220.The strength members 224 and the buffer tube 220 are positioned withinthe outer jacket 226 of the cable 20 t. In second and third exampleembodiments, the cable 20 is a cylindrical cable 20 c, 20C asillustrated at FIGS. 57 and 58, reinforced by axial reinforcing fibers424. Such cylindrical cables 20 c, 20C further include an outer jacket502 and a buffer tube 504 positioned around an optical fiber 500. Theaxial reinforcing fibers 424 are positioned radially around the buffertube 504. The outer jacket 502 covers the reinforcing fibers 424 and thebuffer tube 504. The various forms of cables 20 t, 20 c, 20C can includevarious sizes of a given form (e.g., 20 c is smaller in outer diameterthan 20C as illustrated in the example embodiments).

The first cable 20, in various forms, and the second cable 22 eachinclude one or more optical fibers capable of carrying optical signals.In certain embodiments, the optical fibers include a core surrounded bycladding. The core is the light-conducting central portion of an opticalfiber. The cladding surrounds the core and is composed of a materialhaving a lower index of refraction than the material of the core. Incertain example embodiments, light is internally reflected within thecore to transmit the optical signal along the core. In other exampleembodiments, the core serves as a wave guide for the optical signal. Theoptical fibers can be protected within buffer tubes (e.g., the centralbuffer tube 220 and the buffer tube 504).

In preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the connectorhousing 39 is used with the various forms and sizes of cables includingcable 20 t, 20 c, and 20C. The connector housing 39 can be used inmultiple assembly configurations, with each assembly configurationadapted to a different cable form and/or size. For example, asillustrated at FIGS. 47-50 and 61-66 in the first example embodiment, aconnector housing assembly 36 includes the connector housing 39, aninsert/spring holder 104, and a cover 41 and is adapted to receive thetether cable 20 t. In another example, as illustrated at FIGS. 51-55,59, 60, and 67-70 in the second example embodiment, another connectorhousing assembly 36′ includes the connector housing 39, an insert/springholder 104′, and a cover 41′ and is adapted to receive the cylindricalcable 20 c. In still another example, as illustrated at FIGS. 71-75 inthe third example embodiment, still another connector housing assembly36″ includes the connector housing 39, an insert/spring holder 104″, acable anchor 105, an anchor crimp band 107, and a cover 41″ and isadapted to receive the cylindrical cable 20C.

The connector housing 39 of the connector 32 includes external featuresadapted to interface with various adapters, converters, slideable locks,and caps including the adapters 26 and 34, the converter 190, theslideable lock 50, and the cap 142 of the first, second, third, fourth,and fifth fiber optic connection system arrangements 610, 620, 630, 640,650 mentioned above. The connector housing 39 can be used across themultiple connector housing assemblies 36, 36′, 36″ in the variousassembly configurations introduced in the preceding paragraph. Thus,each of the assembly configurations of the connector housing assemblies36, 36′, 36″ of the connector 32 will interface with the variousadapters, converters, slideable locks, and caps mentioned above. Forexample, the connector housing 39 interfaces and connects with the fiberoptic adapter 34 and the SC fiber optic adapter 26. Therefore, theconnector housing assemblies 36, 36′, and 36″ will all interface andconnect with the fiber optic adapter 34 and the SC fiber optic adapter26.

The connector housing 39 of the connector 32 also includes external andinternal features adapted to combine with the various components in eachof the connector housing assemblies 36, 36′, 36″ of the first, second,and third example embodiments. The connector housing assembly 36 of thefirst example embodiment is used in fiber optic connector 32 t whichterminates the tether cable 20 t; the connector housing assembly 36′ ofthe second example embodiment is used in fiber optic connector 32 cwhich terminates the cylindrical cable 20 c; and the connector housingassembly 36″ of the third example embodiment is used in fiber opticconnector 32C which terminates the cylindrical cable 20C. In each case,the connector housing assemblies 36, 36′, 36″ provide one or moreattachment means for connection with the cable 20 t, 20 c, 20C; acentral passage 452 for conveying the optical fiber 500 from the cable20 t, 20 c, 20C to the ferrule assembly 43; a mount for holding theferrule assembly 43; provisions for an environmental seal with the cable20 t, 20 c, 20C; provisions for an environmental seal with the fiberoptic adapter 34, the converter 190, and the cap 142; and the externalinterface features of the preceding paragraph. The attachment means forconnection with the various cables 20 t, 20 c, and 20C varies betweenthe first, second, and third example embodiments and will be describedseparately below. Other aspects that are similar between the first,second, and third example embodiments will be described concurrently.

Various features of the connector housing 39 will now be described indetail including certain features discussed above. The connector housing39 is preferably unitary in construction (i.e., made of one piece) andcan be made as an injection molded plastic piece. Various features ofthe connector housing 39 can include draft angles, mold parting lines,and injection gate vestiges and thus may vary slightly from nominalform.

The plug portion 56 of the connector housing 39 is adjacent the distalend 52 and includes the generally rectangular exterior 490, as describedabove. In certain embodiments, the generally rectangular exterior 490can include a smaller portion 490 s and a larger portion 490 l (seeFIGS. 49 and 50). The ramps 53, also described above, can provide atransition between the smaller and larger portions 490 s, 490 l on oneor more sides of the rectangular exterior 490. In a preferredembodiment, the first, second, and third protrusions 132, 134, 138extend above one face of the larger portion 490 l of the generallyrectangular exterior 490, and the keyway 133 is recessed within anopposite face. The keyway 133 can be recessed to a depth matching andblending with a corresponding face of the smaller portion 490 s of therectangular exterior 490 (see FIG. 49). The pair of detents 55 ispreferably recessed within a pair of opposite faces of the largerportion 490 l of the rectangular exterior 490. The pair of detents 55can extend from the face including the protrusions 132, 134, 138 to theface including the keyway 133.

Adjacent the generally rectangular exterior 490 of the plug portion 56is a generally cylindrical exterior portion 492 of the connector housing39. A cylindrical form of the cylindrical exterior portion 492 cancontinue over corners of the rectangular exterior 490 yielding acylindrical trimming of the corners (see FIG. 49). The cylindricalexterior portion 492 includes a whole cylindrical segment 492 w,adjacent the rectangular exterior 490, and a partial cylindrical segment492 p, adjacent the proximal end 54 of the connector housing 39. Aretaining lip 482 and a retaining groove 481 (see FIGS. 47 and 49) areincluded on the whole cylindrical segment 492 w adjacent the partialcylindrical segment 492 p. The retaining lip 482 is at a proximal end ofthe whole cylindrical segment 492 w. The whole cylindrical segment 492 wfurther includes a first annular sealing groove 468, the tapered seat131, the circumferential shoulder 113, and a second annular sealinggroove 469 in succession between the generally rectangular exterior 490and the retaining groove 481 and lip 482.

The partial cylindrical segment 492 p provides access to a distalportion 452 a and a proximal portion 452 b of the central passage 452within the connector housing 39 through an open side 489. Centering tabs493, adjacent the retaining lip 482 are positioned at the open side 489of the partial cylindrical segment 492 p. A first pair of retainingslots 454 a and a second pair of retaining slots 454 b extend partiallythrough the partial cylindrical segment 492 p from the open side 489.The first pair of retaining slots 454 a is closer to the retaining lip482 while the second pair 454 b is closer to the proximal end 54 of theconnector housing 39. A portion of the open side 489 between the firstand second pair of retaining slots 454 a, 454 b can extend beyond aportion of the open side 489 between the retaining lip 482 and the firstpair of slots 454 a. A pair of third channel portions 462 c of a pair ofchannels 462 (further described below) can be included along and/or nearthe open side 489 of the partial cylindrical segment 492 p. The pair ofthird channel portions 462 c can extend axially between the centeringtabs 493 and the proximal end 54 of the connector housing 39. A pair ofretaining arms 456 are adjacent the second pair of retaining slots 454b. A retaining tab 58 p of the connector housing 39 is adjacent the pairof retaining arms 456 and extends to the proximal end 54 of theconnector housing 39. The retaining tab 58 p can include retaining teeth463 p as illustrated at FIG. 49. The exterior 31 of the connectorhousing 39 can also include a circumferential shoulder 125 (see FIG. 69)and a tapered region 494 (see FIGS. 50 and 69) between thecircumferential shoulder 125 and the proximal end 54.

The central passage 452 of the connector housing assembly 36, 36′, 36″is defined through the interior of the connector housing 39 from theproximal end 54 to the distal end 52. The central passage 452 has thedistal portion 452 a defined through the plug portion 56 of theconnector housing 39 and the proximal portion 452 b defined between thepartial cylindrical segment 492 p of the connector housing 39 and thecover 41, 41′, 41″. The proximal portion 452 b of the central passage452 is defined in part by the connector housing 39 and in part by thecover 41, 41′, 41″. Removal of the cover 41, 41′, 41″ from the connectorhousing 39 provides lateral access to the proximal portion 452 b of thecentral passage 452. The distal portion 452 a of the passage 452 isdefined entirely by the connector housing 39 and extends through theplug portion 56. The distal portion 452 a of the passage 452 has adistal end at the distal end 52 of the connector housing 39 and aproximal end adjacent the proximal portion 452 b of the passage 452.Access to the distal portion 452 a, in a proximal to distal longitudinaldirection, is provided by the proximal portion 452 b of the centralpassage 452.

The distal portion 452 a of the central passage 452 includes an annularshoulder 103 (see FIGS. 47 and 55). A cavity 458 is formed between afirst side of the annular shoulder 103 and the distal end 52 of theconnector housing 39. A hex seat 109 facing the proximal end 54 of theconnector housing 39 can be included on a second side of the annularshoulder 103 (see FIGS. 55 and 73). An anti-rotation key 478 (see FIGS.47 and 73) can be included within the distal portion 452 a of thecentral passage 452 between the annular shoulder 103 and the proximalend of the distal portion 452 a.

As mentioned above, the connector housing 39 can be used to form threeexample connector housing assemblies, 36, 36′, or 36″, by using one ofthe covers, 41, 41′, or 41″, and one of the insert/spring holders, 104,104′, or 104″, respectively. The covers, 41, 41′, and 41″, and theinsert/spring holders, 104, 104′, and 104″, will now be described indetail with common features of each described concurrently.

When assembled to the connector housing 39, the covers 41, 41′, and 41″each continue the cylindrical form of the generally cylindrical exteriorportion 492 of the connector housing 39 on their respective exteriors asillustrated at FIGS. 48 and 51. Each of the covers 41, 41′, and 41″includes a retaining tab 58 c, 58 c′, and 58 c″ respectively thatgenerally matches and is opposite from the retaining tab 58 p of theconnector housing 39 when assembled as illustrated at FIGS. 48, 65, 69,and 74. The covers 41, 41′, and 41″ can include a circumferentialshoulder 125 c and a tapered region 494 c that generally match and areopposite from the circumferential shoulder 125 and the tapered region494 of the connector housing 39 as illustrated at FIGS. 63 and 72. Aproximal pair and a distal pair of cover tabs 455, 455′, 455″ areincluded on the covers 41, 41′, and 41″ to engage the first and secondpair of retaining slots 454 a, 454 b of the connector housing 39 asillustrated at FIGS. 48, 51, 63, 69, and 72. A retaining groove 484 isincluded on the covers 41, 41′, and 41″ that is connectable to theretaining lip 482 and the retaining groove 481 of the connector housing39 as illustrated at FIGS. 47, 53-55, 65, 69, and 74.

The cover 41 includes a pair of second channel portions 462 b thatcooperate with the pair of third channel portions 462 c to partly formthe pair of channels 462 (further described below) as illustrated atFIGS. 48-50. The second channel portions 462 b can include lateralgrooves 123 (see FIG. 50). The cover 41 can also include tab receivers495 for receiving the centering tabs 493 of the connector housing 39 asillustrated at FIG. 50. The retaining tab 58 c of the cover 41 includesretaining teeth 463 c that generally match and are opposite from theretaining teeth 463 p of the retaining tab 58 p of the connector housing39 as illustrated at FIGS. 48-50. A pair of locators 457 for engagingthe pair of retaining arms 456 of the connector housing 39 is locatedbetween the retaining tab 58 c and the proximal pair of cover tabs 455.

The retaining tab 58 c′ of the cover 41′ includes a pair of longitudinalgrooves 486 that extend along the retaining tab 58 c′ (see FIG. 60).Between the pair of longitudinal grooves 486 is a guide 488 alsoextending along the retaining tab 58 c′. Outward from the guide 488 andthe pair of longitudinal grooves 486 are a pair of gripping teeth sets466 also extending along the retaining tab 58 c′.

The cover 41″, like cover 41, includes a pair of locators 457 forengaging the pair of retaining arms 456 of the connector housing 39. Thepair of locators 457 is located axially between the retaining tab 58 c″and the proximal pair of the cover tabs 455″ (see FIG. 74).

The insert/spring holders 104, 104′, and 104″ each are held within thecentral passage 452 of the three example connector housing assemblies,36, 36′, and 36″, respectively. The insert/spring holders 104, 104′, and104″ each include a spring seat 476, 472, and 471 within a spring seatpocket 474, 470, and 475 at a distal end of the respective insert/springholder 104, 104′, and 104″ as illustrated at FIGS. 47, 54, 55, 71, and73-75. The insert/spring holder 104″ includes a pair of the insert tabs453″ for engaging the first pair of the retaining slots 454 a of theconnector housing 39. The insert/spring holders 104 and 104′ eachinclude a distal pair and a proximal pair of the insert tabs 453, 453′respectively, for engaging the first and the second pair of theretaining slots 454 a, 454 b of the connector housing 39. One or moreflex locations 449 can be included on the insert/spring holders 104,104′, 104″ to facilitate bending of the insert/spring holders 104, 104′,104″ as illustrated at FIGS. 52, 53, 55, 64, 65, 69, 70, 72, and 73. Aninterior of the insert/spring holders 104, 104′, 104″ forms alongitudinal passage that conveys the optical fiber 500 from the cable20 t, 20 c, 20C to the ferrule assembly 43 and can at least partly holdthe ferrule assembly 43. A partially open side of the insert/springholders 104, 104′, 104″ provides lateral access to the interior.

The insert/spring holder 104 includes a pair of first channel portions462 a that cooperate with the pairs of the second and the third channelportions 462 b, 462 c to partly form the pair of channels 462 asillustrated at FIGS. 48-50. The first channel portions 462 a can includelateral grooves 123 (see FIG. 49).

The insert/spring holder 104′ includes a strength member engagingportion 459 with an exterior that continues the cylindrical form of boththe cover 41′ and the cylindrical exterior portion 492 of the connectorhousing 39 (see FIG. 51). The strength member engaging portion 459includes a tapered region 494 i at a proximal end of the insert/springholder 104′. The tapered region 494 i generally continues and completesthe tapered region 494 of the connector housing 39 and the taperedregion 494 c of the cover 41′ (see FIG. 51). The strength memberengaging portion 459 further includes a pair of channels 460 with anentrance 460 a adjacent the proximal end of the insert/spring holder104′ and an exit 460 b exiting out the sides near an opposite end of thestrength member engaging portion 459 above the proximal pair of theinsert tabs 453′ as illustrated at FIG. 59. A pair of gripping teethsets 465 engagable with the pair of the gripping teeth sets 466 of theretaining tab 58 c′ of the cover 41′ is included within the pair of thechannels 460 (see FIG. 54). A passage 461 between inside walls 487 ofthe pair of the channels 460 holds the guide 488 of the cover 41′ andthe inside walls 487 fit within the longitudinal grooves 486 of theretaining tab 58 c′ of the cover 41′. The strength member engagingportion 459 further includes retaining teeth 467 engagable with the pairof the retaining teeth 463 p of the retaining tab 58 p of the connectorhousing 39 (see FIG. 54). The insert/spring holder 104′ further includesa pair of locators 457 for engaging the pair of retaining arms 456 ofthe connector housing 39. The pair of locators 457 is located on thestrength member engaging portion 459 adjacent a proximal side of theexit 460 b of the channels 460.

The insert/spring holders 104 and 104′ each directly engage the strengthmembers 224 and the axial reinforcing fibers 424 of the cables 20 t and20 c respectively. The insert/spring holder 104″ does not directlyengage the axial reinforcing fibers 424 of the cable 20C. Instead, thecable anchor 105 and the anchor crimp band 107 of the connector housingassembly 36″ are directly connected to the axial reinforcing fibers 424of the cable 20C.

The cable anchor 105 includes a longitudinal passage 496 that conveysthe optical fiber 500 from the cable 20C to the central passage 452 ofthe connector housing assembly 36″ (see FIGS. 71-73). An exterior 499 ofthe cable anchor 105 fits within the proximal portion 452 b of thecentral passage 452 defined between the partial cylindrical segment 492p of the connector housing 39 and the cover 41″. A pair of anchor tabs497 of the cable anchor 105 engages the second pair of retaining slots454 b of the connector housing 39 (see FIG. 72). A crimp support region498 grips the axial reinforcing fibers 424 of the cable 20C and supportsthe anchor crimp band 107 when the anchor crimp band 107 is crimped overthe fibers 424 and the support region 498.

The process of assembling the connector 32 to the cable 20 will now bedescribed in detail. In particular, the first example embodiment, withthe connector 32 t terminating the tether cable 20 t; the second exampleembodiment, with the connector 32 c terminating the cylindrical cable 20c; and the third example embodiment, with the connector 32C terminatingthe cylindrical cable 20C will be described. Aspects that are similarbetween the first, second, and third example embodiments will bedescribed concurrently.

The first, second, and third example embodiments can all use the sameferrule assembly 43. The ferrule assembly 43 of the connector 32 t, 32c, 32C includes the ferrule 100 (e.g., a ceramic ferrule), a barrel 101mounted on the ferrule 100, and the spring 102. The ferrule assembly 43is loaded into the distal portion 452 a of the central passage 452within the plug portion 56 of connector housing 39 while the cover 41,41′, 41″ and the insert/spring holder 104, 104′, 104″ are removed fromthe connector housing assembly 36, 36′, 36″ (the cable anchor 105 andthe anchor crimp band 107 are also removed from the connector housingassembly 36″). To load the ferrule assembly 43 into the connectorhousing 39, the ferrule 100 is positioned in the distal portion 452 a ofthe central passage 452 by inserting the tapered tip of the ferrule 100through the proximal end of the distal portion 452 a. As so inserted,the barrel 101 abuts against the shoulder 103 (see FIGS. 54 and 55)located within the plug portion 56. In a preferred embodiment, theorientation between the ferrule assembly 43 and the connector housing 39is controlled by aligning a keyway 108 of the barrel 101 with the key478 of the connector housing 39 (see FIGS. 47 and 74). A hex shape ofthe barrel 101 can engage the hex seat 109 within the connector housing39 thus preventing rotation between the ferrule assembly 43 and theconnector housing 39 after assembly (see FIGS. 55 and 73). The spring102 is then inserted into the distal portion 452 a behind the rest ofthe ferrule assembly 43.

With the ferrule assembly 43 loaded, the distal end of the insert/springholder 104, 104′, 104″ is also loaded into the distal portion 452 a ofthe central passage 452 with the spring 102 entering the spring seatpocket 474, 470, 475 and seating against the spring seat 476, 472, 471such that the spring 102 is captured within the distal portion 452 abetween the barrel 101 and the insert/spring holder 104, 104′, 104″. Inthis manner, the ferrule 100 is spring biased in a distal direction. Theinsert tabs 453, 453′, 453″ will not pass longitudinally through thepassage 452 and must be lifted above the open side 489 of the partialcylindrical segment 492 p of the connector housing 39 when installingthe insert/spring holder 104, 104′, 104″. In certain embodiments, theinsert/spring holder 104, 104′, 104″ is bent allowing the distal end tobe started in the passage 452 while the insert tabs 453, 453′, 453″ arelifted above the open side 489. Bending the insert/spring holder 104,104′, 104″ may be accommodated by making it of a suitably flexiblematerial and/or by incorporating one or more of the flex locations 449(see FIG. 55). When the insert/spring holder 104, 104′, 104″ is fullyinserted into the passage 452, the insert tabs 453, 453′, 453″ arelowered into the retaining slots 454 a, 454 b of the connector housing39. The distal end of the insert/spring holder 104, 104′, 104″ canthereby be inserted into the distal portion 452 a of the central passage452.

To maintain the position of the insert/spring holder 104, 104′, 104″within the connector housing 39, the insert tabs 453, 453′, and 453″ ofthe insert/spring holder 104, 104′, 104″ are engaged within theappropriate retaining slots 454 a, 454 b and an outer surface 451, 451′,451″ of the insert/spring holder 104, 104′, 104″ fits closely within thedistal portion 452 a of the central passage 452.

A sealing member 69 (e.g., an O-ring) is preferably mounted within thesecond annular sealing groove 469 (see FIGS. 51 and 71) of the connectorhousing 39 at this point in the assembly process.

Installation of the connector 32 t onto the end of the fiber optic cable20 t will now be described, with reference to FIGS. 61-66, continuingthe discussion of the first example embodiment. To begin installation,the end of the fiber optic cable 20 t is prepared using a strippingprocess. In the stripping process, the outer jacket 226 is stripped awayto expose the strength members 224 and the buffer tube 220 (see FIG.56). After the stripping process, a portion of the buffer tube 220 iscut away to expose the optical fiber 500.

After the end of the cable 20 t has been prepared as described above,the boot 42 is slid onto the end of fiber optic cable 20 t, followed bya sealing tube 106 (e.g., a heat shrink tube or heat shrink tape/wrap),the coupling nut 40, and a crimp band 38. The bare optical fiber 500 isthen fed through the insert/spring holder 104, the spring 102, and theferrule 100 of the ferrule assembly 43 that are preloaded into theconnector housing 39.

Once the optical fiber 500 has been fed through the ferrule 100 and theconnector housing 39 with the insert/spring holder 104 installed, thecable 20 t is secured to the connector housing 39 such that the cable 20t extends longitudinally from the proximal end 54 of the housing 39.FIGS. 63-66 are perspective views including the connector housingassembly 36 having the cover 41 separated from it, such as in positionfor installation with a fiber optic cable 20 t. To make the connection,the strength members 224 of the fiber optic cable 20 t are placed withinthe pairs of the first and the third channel portions 462 a, 462 c andthe buffer tube 220 is inserted into the proximal portion 452 b of thecentral passage 452, such that the optical fiber 500 extends generallyalong axis A₁. Adhesive is then applied to the buffer tube 220, thestrength members 224, the central passage 452, and the first, second,and third channel portions 462 a, 462 b, 462 c (including those in theinsert/spring holder 104, the cover 41, and the connector housing 39).The adhesive may be an epoxy or any other type of adhesive.Alternatively, fasteners could also be used to connect the cover 41 withthe connector housing 39. The connector housing 39 and the cover 41 areproperly aligned by the retaining groove 481 and lip 482, the centeringtabs 493, the pair of retaining arms 456, and the first and second pairof retaining slots 454 a, 454 b of the connector housing 39 engaging andinterlocking with the retaining groove 484, the tab receivers 495, thepair of locators 457, and the cover tabs 455 of the cover 41respectively. The cover 41 is then squeezed against the connectorhousing 39 to enclose the strength members 224, the buffer tube 220, andthe optical fiber 500 within the connector housing assembly 36. When thecover 41 is squeezed onto the connector housing 39, the excess adhesiveflows out from the various joints and can then be wiped away.

The fiber optic cable 20 t is preferably stripped in the previous stepssuch that the outer jacket 226 terminates at a shoulder 136 (see FIGS.47 and 48) of the connector housing assembly 36. The shoulder 136 islocated at distal ends of tabs 58 p, 58 c and at the proximate ends ofthe first, second, and third channel portions 462 a, 462 b, 462 c. Thetabs 58 p, 58 c, therefore, cover the end of the outer jacket 226 whenthe cover 41 and the connector housing 39 are connected. When the cover41 and the connector housing 39 are pressed together, the teeth 463 c,463 p of the tabs 58 c, 58 p are pressed into or against the outerjacket 226. The teeth 463 c, 463 p are oriented to resist movement ofthe outer jacket 226 in the proximal direction away from the connectorhousing assembly 36. Therefore, the teeth 463 c, 463 p provide furtherconnection means to hold the fiber optic cable 20 t firmly engaged withthe connector housing assembly 36.

The interior of the connector housing assembly 36 further includesstructure for improving adhesion between the adhesive and the interiorof the housing assembly 36. For example, the interior of the housingassembly 36 includes a plurality of the lateral grooves 123 forimproving the adhesion characteristics of the interior surface of thehousing assembly 36. Other adhesion improving structures includeknurling, surface roughening, or other structures.

Installation of the connector 32 c onto the end of the fiber optic cable20 c will now be described, with reference to FIGS. 59, 60, and 67-70,continuing the discussion of the second example embodiment. To begininstallation, the end of the fiber optic cable 20 c is prepared using astripping process. In the stripping process, the outer jacket 502 isstripped away to expose the axial reinforcing fibers 424 and the buffertube 504 (see FIG. 57). After the stripping process, a portion of thebuffer tube 504 is cut away to expose the optical fiber 500 and theaxial reinforcing fibers 424 are gathered in two roughly equal buncheson opposite sides of the optical fiber 500 (see FIG. 58).

After the end of the cable 20 c has been prepared as described above,the boot 42′ is slid onto the end of fiber optic cable 20 c, followed bya sealing tube 106′ (e.g., a heat shrink tube or heat shrink tape/wrap),the coupling nut 40, and the crimp band 38. The bare optical fiber 500is then fed through the insert/spring holder 104′, the spring 102, andthe ferrule 100 of the ferrule assembly 43 that are preloaded into theconnector housing 39.

Once the optical fiber 500 has been fed through the ferrule 100 and theconnector housing 39 with the insert/spring holder 104′ installed, thecable 20 c is secured to the connector housing 39 such that the cable 20c extends longitudinally from the proximal end 54 of the housing 39.FIGS. 67-70 are perspective views including the connector housingassembly 36′ having the cover 41′ separated from it, such as in positionfor installation with a fiber optic cable 20 c. To make the connection,the two bunches of axial reinforcing fibers 424 of the fiber optic cable20 c are placed, one each, within the pair of the channels 460 of theinsert/spring holder 104′ and the buffer tube 504 is placed within thepassage 461 of the insert/spring holder 104′ and continued through intothe proximal portion 452 b of the central passage 452, such that theoptical fiber 500 extends generally along axis A₁ (see FIG. 1). The twobunches of axial reinforcing fibers 424 preferably enter at the entrance460 a of the channels 460 and exit at the exit 460 b where they can betrimmed or continue under the crimp band 38 (installed below). Adhesiveis then applied to the buffer tube 504, the axial reinforcing fibers424, and the central passage 452. The adhesive may be an epoxy or anyother type of adhesive. Alternatively, fasteners could also be used toconnect the cover 41′ with the connector housing 39. The connectorhousing 39 and the cover 41′ are properly aligned by the retaininggroove 481 and lip 482, the centering tabs 493, and the first and secondpair of retaining slots 454 a, 454 b of the connector housing 39engaging and interlocking with the retaining groove 484, an interiorportion, and the cover tabs 455′ of the cover 41′ respectively.Additionally, the pair of retaining arms 456 of the connector housing 39engages the pair of locators 457 of the insert/spring holder 104′ (seeFIG. 52), and the pair of the gripping teeth sets 466 of the cover 41′engage the pair of the gripping teeth sets 465 and the pair of channels460 of the insert/spring holder 104′ (see FIGS. 59 and 60). The cover41′ is then squeezed against the connector housing 39 to enclose theaxial reinforcing fibers 424, the buffer tube 504, and the optical fiber500 within the connector housing assembly 36′. When the cover 41′ issqueezed onto the connector housing 39, the excess adhesive flows outfrom the various joints and can then be wiped away.

The fiber optic cable 20 c is preferably stripped in the previous stepssuch that the outer jacket 502 terminates at the proximal end 54 of theconnector housing 39 (see FIG. 54) of the connector housing assembly36′. When the cover 41′ and the connector housing 39 are pressedtogether, the gripping teeth sets 465, 466 of the insert/spring holder104′ and the cover 41′ are pressed together and clench and grip theaxial reinforcing fibers 424 of the cable 20 c. The teeth sets 465, 466are oriented to resist movement of the axial reinforcing fibers 424, andthereby the cable 20 c, in the proximal direction away from theconnector housing assembly 36′.

The interior of the connector housing assembly 36′ can further includestructures for improving adhesion between the adhesive and the interiorof the housing assembly 36′. Such adhesion improving structures includeknurling, surface roughening, or other structures.

Installation of the connector 32C onto the end of the fiber optic cable20C will now be described, with reference to FIGS. 71-75, continuing thediscussion of the third example embodiment. To begin installation, theend of the fiber optic cable 20C is prepared using a stripping process.In the stripping process, the outer jacket 502 is stripped away toexpose the axial reinforcing fibers 424 and the buffer tube 504 (seeFIG. 57) and to create a new end of the outer jacket 502. After thestripping process, a portion of the buffer tube 504 is cut away toexpose the optical fiber 500 (see FIG. 72).

After the end of the cable 20C has been prepared as described above, theboot 42″ is slid onto the end of fiber optic cable 20C, followed by asealing tube 106″ (e.g., a heat shrink tube or heat shrink tape/wrap),the coupling nut 40, the crimp band 38, and the anchor crimp band 107.The bare optical fiber 500 and the buffer tube 504 are then fed throughthe longitudinal passage 496 of the cable anchor 105 at an end nearestthe crimp support region 498. The axial reinforcing fibers 424 arespread radially apart and positioned over the crimp support region 498and the crimp support region 498 is placed adjacent the new end of theouter jacket 502. The anchor crimp band 107 is then slid over the crimpsupport region 498 with the axial reinforcing fibers 424circumferentially distributed between the anchor crimp band 107 and thecrimp support region 498. The anchor crimp band 107 is then crimped ontoand against the crimp support region 498 capturing and securing theaxial reinforcing fibers 424 and thereby the fiber optic cable 20C tothe cable anchor 105. The bare optical fiber 500 is then fed through theinsert/spring holder 104″, the spring 102, and the ferrule 100 of theferrule assembly 43 that are preloaded into the connector housing 39.

Once the optical fiber 500 has been fed through the ferrule 100 and theconnector housing 39 with the insert/spring holder 104″ preinstalled,the cable 20C is secured to the connector housing 39 such that the cable20C extends longitudinally from the proximal end 54 of the housing 39(see FIG. 71). FIGS. 72-75 are perspective views including the connectorhousing assembly 36″ having the cover 41″ separated from it, such as inposition for installation with a fiber optic cable 20C. To make theconnection, the pair of anchor tabs 497 of the cable anchor 105 areengaged with the second pair of retaining slots 454 b of the connectorhousing 39 (see FIG. 72). Adhesive is then applied to the buffer tube504, the axial reinforcing fibers 424, and the central passage 452. Theadhesive may be an epoxy or any other type of adhesive. Alternatively,fasteners could also be used to connect the cover 41″ with the connectorhousing 39. The connector housing 39 and the cover 41″ are properlyaligned by the retaining groove 481 and lip 482, the centering tabs 493,the pair of retaining arms 456, and the first and second pair ofretaining slots 454 a, 454 b of the connector housing 39 engaging andinterlocking with the retaining groove 484, an interior portion, thepair of locators 457, and the cover tabs 455″ of the cover 41″respectively. The cover 41″ is then squeezed against the connectorhousing 39 to enclose the cable anchor 105, the axial reinforcing fibers424, the buffer tube 504, and the optical fiber 500 within the connectorhousing assembly 36″. When the cover 41″ is squeezed onto the connectorhousing 39, the excess adhesive flows out from the various joints andcan then be wiped away.

The fiber optic cable 20C is preferably stripped in the previous stepssuch that the outer jacket 502 terminates at the proximal end 54 of theconnector housing 39 (see FIG. 71) of the connector housing assembly36″. When the cover 41″ and the connector housing 39 are pressedtogether, the cable anchor 105 is captured within the connector housingassembly 36″. The cable 20C thereby resists movement in the proximaldirection away from the connector housing assembly 36″.

The interior of the connector housing assembly 36″ can further includestructures for improving adhesion between the adhesive and the interiorof the housing assembly 36″. Such adhesion improving structures includeknurling, surface roughening, or other structures.

After the cover 41, 41′, 41″ has been connected with the connectorhousing assembly 36, 36′, 36″ and the fiber optic cable 20 t, 20 c, 20C,the crimp band 38 is slid over a part of the connector housing assembly36, 36′, 36″. The crimp band 38 is preferably located between thecircumferential shoulder 113 and the circumferential shoulder 125 of theconnector housing 39. A flange 238 of the crimp band is preferablyadjacent the circumferential shoulder 125 and the circumferentialshoulders 125 c of the cover 41, 41′, 41″ (see FIGS. 69-71). After thecrimp band 38 is located on the connector housing assembly 36, 36′, 36″,it is crimped in place to hold the cover 41, 41′, 41″ securely onto theconnector housing assembly 36, 36′, 36″. The sealing tube 106, 106′,106″ is then slid over a portion of the crimp band 38 so as to cover andseal the end of the cable 20 t, 20 c, 20C, the proximal end of theconnector housing assembly 36, 36′, 36″, and at least a portion of thecrimp band 38. Heat is then applied to the sealing tube 106, 106′, 106″to cause the sealing tube 106, 106′, 106″ to shrink and tightly formaround the adjacent portions of the connector housing assembly 36, thecrimp band 38, and the fiber optic cable 20 t, 20 c, 20C, to seal theconnector 32 t, 32 c, 32C from foreign substances. The coupling nut 40is then slid over the crimp band 38, the sealing tube 106, 106′, 106″,and the connector housing assembly 36. The boot 42, 42′, 42″ is thenslid onto the connector 32 t, 32 c, 32C and over the sealing tube 106,106′, 106″. The boot 42, 42′, 42″ is, for example, a flexiblepolymeric/rubber material. At the distal end of the boot 42, 42′, 42″,the boot 42, 42′, 42″ can include a structure (e.g., an inwardlyprojecting flange or lip) that provides a mechanical interlock with theflange 238 of the crimp band 38 as it forms a ridge through the sealingtube 106, 106′, 106″ (see FIGS. 62 and 71). Although the tabs 58 p, 58 care spaced from the boot 42, 42′, 42″ by the sealing tube 106, 106′,106″, the sealing tube 106, 106′, 106″ fits tightly around the tabs 58p, 58 c, such that the circumferential shoulders 125 and 125 c andtapered regions 494 and 494 c can be engaged by the boot 42, 42′, 42″.The sealing member 49 is then mounted with the annular sealing groove468 about the connector housing 39 to complete the installation ofconnector 32 t, 32 c, 32C onto fiber optic cable 20 t, 20 c, 20C. Theboot 42, 42′, 42″ retains the coupling nut 40 on the connector housingassembly 36, 36′, 36″.

A seal can be formed between the crimp band 38 and the connector housing39 by the O-ring/sealing member 69 mounted within the second annularsealing groove 469 (see FIGS. 51 and 71) of the connector housing 39.Since the connector housing 39 is of unitary construction and whollyforms a perimeter of the connector housing assembly 36, 36′, 36″ at thelocation of the second annular sealing groove 469, the connector housingassembly 36, 36′, 36″ is also sealed to the crimp band 38 by theO-ring/sealing member 69.

In a preferred embodiment, the sealing member 49 (e.g., an O-ring seal)mounts around the periphery/exterior 31 of the connector housing 39 andpreferably within the first annular sealing groove 468. In alternateembodiments, the sealing member 49 can be mounted within the adapter 34.In still other embodiments, the sealing member 49 may not be mounted oneither the adapter 34 or the connector housing 39. The sealing member 49is adapted for providing a seal between the connector housing 39 and theadapter 34 when the first fiber optic connector 32 is plugged into thefirst port 35 of the adapter 34. Since the connector housing 39 is ofunitary construction and wholly forms a perimeter of the connectorhousing assembly 36, 36′, 36″ at the location of the first annularsealing groove 468, the connector housing assembly 36, 36′, 36″ is alsosealed to the adapter 34 by the O-ring/sealing member 49. This likewiseapplies to the cap 142, the interface converter 190, and other objectsto which the connector housing assembly 36, 36′, 36″ is connected to.

The first connector 32 also includes a crimp band 38 that mounts overthe connector housing assembly 36, 36′, 36″ and the cover 41, 41′, 41″,and a sealing tube 106, 106′, 106″ that seals the interface between thecable 20 t, 20 c, 20C and the connector housing assembly 36, 36′, 36″.The crimp band 38 assists in retaining the cover 41, 41′, 41″ on theconnector housing assembly 36, 36′, 36″ and also assists in securing thestrength members 224 of the cable 20 t and the axial reinforcing fibers424 of the cable 20 c, 20C in place between the cover 41, 41′, 41″ andthe connector housing 39.

Various features and components of the fiber optic adapter 34 will nowbe described in detail including certain features discussed above.Referring to FIGS. 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 28, 43, and 76-80, the adapter 34of the first, fifth, and sixth fiber optic connection systemarrangements 610, 650, 660 includes an outer housing 44 having a firsthousing piece 45 that interconnects with a second housing piece 47. Thefirst housing piece 45 defines a first end 70 of the outer housing 44 atwhich the first port 35 is located. The second housing piece 47 definesa second end 72 of the outer housing 44 at which the second port 37 islocated. The adapter assembly 140, mentioned above, mounts within theouter housing 44 (see FIGS. 76-78). The adapter 34 also includes themounting ring or nut 46, mentioned above, that mounts around theexterior of the outer housing 44.

The first housing piece 45 of the adapter 34 includes a first region 60separated from a second region 62 by a shoulder 64 (see FIGS. 79 and80). The first and second regions 60, 62 have generally cylindricalouter shapes and the shoulder 64 provides a diameter reduction from thefirst region 60 to the second region 62. The second region 62 definesexternal threads 66 located adjacent the shoulder 64. The externalthreads 66 are sized to mate with corresponding internal threads 68 (seeFIG. 78) of the mounting nut 46 such that the mounting nut 46 can bethreaded on the second region 62 of the first housing piece 45. Thesecond region 62 also includes a pair of oppositely positioned latches167 for use in securing the first housing piece 45 to the second housingpiece 47. Each of the latches 167 includes a flexible cantilever arm 170having a base end integrally formed with the second region 62. Eachcantilever arm 170 defines an opening 172 adapted to receive acorresponding retention tab 174 of the second housing piece 47 when thefirst and second housing pieces 45, 47 are connected together.

Referring to FIGS. 76, 79, and 80, the first region 60 defines anopening of the first port 35 of the adapter 34. The internal threads 76,mentioned above, are provided within the first region 60 adjacent thefirst end 70 of the housing 44. The internal threads 76 within the firstport 35 are sized to threadingly receive the exterior screw threads 75of the coupling nut 40 when the coupling nut 40 is threaded into thefirst port 35 to provide a secure connection between the first connector32 and the adapter 34.

Referring now to FIGS. 77 and 78, the first housing piece 45 defines thesealing surface 74, mentioned above, positioned inside the first housingpiece 45 at a location adjacent to the internal threads 76. The taperedseat 77, mentioned above, decreases the internal diameter of the firstport 35 from the internal threads 76 to the sealing surface 74. Thesealing surface 74 is preferably generally cylindrical and is adapted toengage the sealing member 49 of the first connector 32 when the firstconnector 32 is fully inserted within the first port 35. The interfacebetween the sealing surface 74 and the sealing member 49 provides aninternal environmental seal between the first connector 32 and theadapter 34.

Referring now to FIGS. 79 and 80, the first housing piece 45 defines aninternal pocket 80 within the second region 62 for receiving a secondregion 88 of the second housing piece 47 when the housing pieces 45, 47are interconnected. The pocket 80 is separated from the sealing surface74 by a shoulder 84 that provides an increase in diameter from thesealing surface 74 to the pocket 80. As shown at FIGS. 78 and 80, akeying member 150 (e.g., a tab or a rail) is provided at the pocket 80for ensuring proper rotational alignment between the first housing piece45 and the second housing piece 47. The keying member 150 is receivedwithin a corresponding keyway 151 defined by the second housing piece 47when the first and second housing pieces 45, 47 are interconnectedtogether.

The second housing piece 47 of the adapter 34 includes a first region 86separated from the second region 88 by a shoulder 89. The first andsecond regions 86 and 88 each have generally cylindrical outer shapes.The shoulder 89 provides a reduction in outer diameter from the firstregion 86 to the second region 88. The retention tabs 174 forinterconnecting the first housing piece 45 with the second housing piece47 are provided at the second region 88.

The first region 86 of the second housing piece 47 includes a pair ofoppositely positioned latches 160 for securing the adapter assembly 140within the second housing piece 47. As shown at FIGS. 76-78, each of thelatches 160 includes a flexible cantilever arm 161 having a base end 162integrally formed with the second housing piece 47, and a free end 163positioned opposite from the base end 162. Retention tabs 164 areprovided at the free ends 163. The retention tabs 164 include angledsurfaces 166 that angle toward the central axis of the adapter 34, andretention surfaces 168 that are generally transversely aligned relativeto the central axis of the adapter 34. The first region 86 of the secondhousing piece 47 can also include a keying slot 169 (see FIGS. 76, 79,and 80) for receiving a corresponding rail 165 of the second connector28 (see FIG. 2) to ensure that the second connector 28 is inserted intothe second port 37 at the proper rotational orientation. In a preferredembodiment, the keying slot 169 includes a pair of end chamfers 176,adjacent the second end 72, to aid insertion of the rail 165.

The second region 88 of the second housing piece 47 defines a first plugreceptacle 59 for receiving the plug portion 56 of the first connector32 when the first connector 32 is inserted into the first adapter port35. The previously described generally rectangular interior 491 ispreferably included within the first plug receptacle 59. The first plugreceptacle 59 can optionally include a tapered portion that convergestoward the second end 72 of the adapter 34. The tapered portion canfacilitate maintaining alignment of the first connector 32 within theadapter 34 and/or provide draft to facilitate the injection molding ofthe second housing piece 47. The first region 86 of the second housingpiece 47 also defines a second plug receptacle 97 corresponding to thesecond adapter port 37. The second plug receptacle 97 is adapted forreceiving the second fiber optic connector 28.

The adapter assembly 140 of the adapter 34 includes a connectorretention clip 201, the split sleeve 202, and a backing piece 204. Thesplit sleeve 202 is adapted for receiving the ferrules of the first andsecond connectors 32, 28 when the connectors 32, 28 are inserted intothe adapter 34 to maintain alignment between the fibers 500 of theconnectors 32, 28. The connector retention clip 201 includes a pair oflatching arms 206 that interlock with the second connector 28 when thesecond connector 28 is inserted within the second port 37 of the adapter34. In this manner, the latching arms 206 retain the second connector 28within the second port 37. The connector retention clip 201 alsoincludes a cylindrical receptacle 208 for receiving one end of the splitsleeve 202. The other end of the split sleeve 202 is received within acylindrical receptacle 209 of the backing piece 204. In this manner, thesplit sleeve 202 is captured between the retention clip 201 and thebacking piece 204. Flanges 211, 212 of the retention clip 201 and thebacking piece 204 are secured together to retain the split sleeve 202between the retention clip 201 and the backing piece 204. When the splitsleeve 202 is mounted between the retention clip 201 and the backingpiece 204, the split sleeve 202 has a limited amount of space availablefor sliding axially within the cylindrical receptacles 208, 209.However, this limited space does allow for the split sleeve 202 to floatwithin the cylindrical receptacles 208, 209 in order to provide properalignment between the ferrules 100 of the connectors 28, 32.

The assembled adapter assembly 140 is loaded into the second housingpiece 47 by inserting the adapter assembly 140 into the second plugreceptacle 97 through the second adapter port 37. As the adapterassembly 140 is inserted into the second plug receptacle 97, the flanges211, 212 of the adapter assembly 140 engage the angled surfaces 166 ofthe cantilever arms 161 causing the cantilever arms 161 to flexoutwardly. After the flanges 211, 212 have been pressed past the angledsurfaces 166, the cantilever arms 161 snap radially inwardly and theretention surfaces 168 of the retention tabs 164 capture and retain theadapter assembly 140 within the second housing piece 47 (see FIG. 76).As so positioned, the retention clip end of the adapter assembly 140 isaccessible from the second port 37 of the adapter 34 and the backingpiece end of the adapter assembly 140 is accessible from the first port35 of the adapter 34. The flanges 211, 212 are captured between theretention surfaces 168 of the retention tabs 164 and a shoulder 213 ofthe second housing piece 47 (see FIGS. 76 and 80). The cylindricalreceptacle 208 of the retention clip 201 is positioned within the secondplug receptacle 97 and the cylindrical receptacle 209 of the backingpiece 204 is located within the first plug receptacle 59. The splitsleeve 202 is aligned generally along the central axis of the adapter34. In the depicted embodiment, the adapter 34 does not includestructure (e.g., a spring or other biasing or resilient structure) forfacilitating allowing the adapter assembly 140 to float within the outerhousing 44. Instead, the retention tabs 164 in cooperation with thesecond plug receptacle 97 prevent the adapter assembly 140 from floatingor otherwise moving significantly within the outer housing 44. However,as indicated above, there is a limited amount of space between the splitsleeve 202, which is disposed within the adapter assembly 140, and thecylindrical receptacles 208, 209 that allows for the split sleeve 202 tofloat within the cylindrical receptacles 208, 209.

After the adapter assembly 140 has been snapped within the secondhousing piece 47 of the outer housing 44, the first and second housingpieces 45, 47 are connected together. (Alternatively, the adapterassembly 140 can be snapped within the second housing piece 47 after thefirst and second housing pieces 45, 47 are connected together.) Forexample, the second region 88 of the second housing piece 47 is insertedinto the pocket 80 defined within the second region 62 of the firsthousing piece 45. During insertion, rotational alignment is ensured byinserting the keying member 150 of the first housing piece 45 into thekeyway 151 of the second housing piece 47. As the second region 88 ofthe second housing piece 47 is inserted into the pocket 80 of the firsthousing piece 45, the cantilever arms 170 engage the retention tabs 174causing the cantilever arms 170 to flex radially outwardly. Tofacilitate this engagement and flexing, ramps can be provided on thecantilever arms 170 and/or the retention tabs 174. When the openings 172of the cantilever arms 170 align with the retention tabs 174, thecantilever arms 170 snap radially inwardly to a locked position in whichthe retention tabs 174 protrude through the openings 172.

As discussed above, the adapter 34 is adapted to be mounted within theopening 18 defined by a wall of the enclosure 19. To mount the adapter34 in the opening 18, the mounting nut 46 is first removed. The secondend 72 of the outer housing 44 is then inserted from the exterior of theenclosure 19 through the mounting opening 18 until the shoulder 64 abutsagainst the outside surface of the enclosure wall. Thereafter, thethreads 68 of the mounting nut 46 are threaded on the threads 66 of theouter housing 44 until the nut 46 abuts against an inside surface of theenclosure wall. With the enclosure wall captured between the shoulder 64and the mounting nut 46, the adapter 34 is securely mounted to theenclosure 19 (see FIG. 28).

As indicated above, the adapter 34 is configured for providing anoptical connection between the first connector 32 and the secondconnector 28. To provide this connection, the first connector 32 ismounted in the first port 35 and the second connector 28 is mounted inthe second port 37 of the adapter 34. To mount the first connector 32 inthe first adapter port 35, the first connector 32 is inserted axiallyinto the port 35 until the plug portion 56 fits within the first plugreceptacle 59 and the latch 250 of the adapter 34 snaps between thefirst protrusion 132 and the second protrusion 134 of the connectorhousing 39. As so positioned, the ferrule 100 fits within one end of thesplit sleeve 202 and the sealing member 49 engages the sealing surface74. As discussed above, the connection is finalized by threading thethreaded portion 75 of the coupling nut 40 into the internal threads 76of the adapter 34 until a first end surface 115 (shown at FIGS. 24 and44) of the coupling nut 40 abuts the circumferential shoulder 113 of theconnector housing 39, thereby retaining the plug portion 56 of theconnector housing 39 within the first plug receptacle 59 of the secondregion 88 of the second housing piece 47 of the adapter 34 (as shown atFIG. 25). The second connector 28 is mounted in the second adapter port37 by inserting the connector axially into the port 37 until theconnector 28 is snapped between the arms 206 of the connector retentionclip 201. As so positioned, the ferrule 230 of the connector 28 isreceived within the other end of the split sleeve 202 such that theferrules 230, 100 are held in axial alignment with one another.

The first, second, third, fifth, and sixth fiber optic connection systemarrangements 610, 620, 630, 650, 660 of the fiber optic connectionsystem 600 preferably have a compact configuration adapted to providerelatively high circuit densities. In one embodiment, diameter D1 of thesealing member 49 (see FIG. 27) and diameter D2 of the sealing surface74 (see FIG. 28) each are less than or equal to 15 mm. In an alternateembodiment, the diameter D1 of the sealing member 49 and the diameter D2of the sealing surface 74 each are less than or equal to 12.5 mm. Inanother embodiment, the diameter D1 of the sealing member 49 and thediameter D2 of the sealing surface 74 each are less than or equal to 10mm. The diameter D1 of a given sealing member 49 can compress from afree dimension to an installed dimension when the connector 32 is fullyinstalled in the adapter 34. Dimensional values characterizing thediameter D1 of the sealing member 49 in this paragraph are with respectto the installed dimension. The diameters D1 and D2 can also apply tothe fourth fiber optic connection system arrangements 640.

The example embodiments presented above illustrate a single opticalfiber from a first cable being optically connected with a single opticalfiber from a second cable. The example ferrules presented above arelikewise illustrated as single fiber ferrules. In other embodiments, thestructure of the fiber optic connection system has the same generalconfiguration as one or more of the fiber optic connection systemarrangements 610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660 of the system 600 of FIG. 82except that the connector includes a multi-termination ferrule (e.g., aferrule with more than one fiber mounted therein) and an adapter isadapted for connecting a first multi-termination connector to a secondmulti-termination connector. Example multi-termination ferrulesgenerally have a rectangular configuration, and examplemulti-termination adapters generally include rectangularmulti-termination ferrule receptacles for accommodatingmulti-termination ferrules.

In the present disclosure, the term generally parallel includes itemsand variations that are approximately parallel and actually parallel.Likewise, the term generally perpendicular includes items and variationsthat are approximately perpendicular and actually perpendicular. Otheruses of the terms generally and general (e.g., generally matches,generally aligns, generally extends, generally continues, generallycylindrical, generally rectangular) also include the actual form, formswith slight variations, and forms substantially including the specifiedcharacteristic.

In the present disclosure, fiber optic cables including buffer tubes arediscussed and illustrated. Fiber optic cables including one or moreoptical fiber not within a buffer tube can be substituted for any of theillustrated fiber optic cables. Such optical fibers not within a buffertube generally follow the same path as a buffered optical fiber.

From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident thatmodifications and variations can be made in the devices of thedisclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ruggedized fiber optic connector comprising: a ferrule aligned along a central longitudinal axis; a connector housing having a distal end and an opposite proximal end, the connector housing including: a plug portion adjacent the distal end of the connector housing at which the ferrule is located, the plug portion having a first side and an opposite second side, the plug portion also having a third side and an opposite fourth side, the third and fourth sides extending between the first and second sides, the central longitudinal axis being positioned between the first and second sides and the central longitudinal axis also being positioned between the third and fourth sides, the connector housing including a first latch catch positioned at the first side, a second latch catch positioned at the second side, and a third latch catch positioned at the third side; and a generally cylindrical exterior portion extending from the plug portion toward the proximate end along the central longitudinal axis, the generally cylindrical exterior portion including an annular sealing groove; a sealing member disposed in the annular sealing groove; and a threaded member positioned around the connector housing, the threaded member being rotatable relative to the connector housing about the central longitudinal axis.
 2. The ruggedized fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the first latch catch is formed by a first recess provided at the first side, wherein the second latch catch is formed by a second recess provided at the second side, and wherein the third latch catch is formed by a projection provided at the third side.
 3. The ruggedized fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the plug portion has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape.
 4. The ruggedized fiber optic connector of claim 2, wherein the first recess is defined at least in part by a first latch engagement surface, wherein the second recess is defined at least in part by a second latch engagement surface, wherein the projection includes a third latch engagement surface, wherein the first, second, and third latch engagement surfaces are angled relative to the central longitudinal axis such that the first, second, and third latch engagement surfaces extend radially outwardly relative to the central longitudinal axis as the first, second, and third latch engagement surfaces extend in a direction of insertion of the ruggedized fiber optic connector.
 5. The ruggedized fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the fourth side of the connector housing defines a connector alignment slot for rotationally aligning the plug portion within a fiber optic adapter, the connector alignment slot extending in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis and including a tapered portion that widens as the connector alignment slot extends in the direction of insertion of the ruggedized fiber optic connector.
 6. The ruggedized fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein: the first latch catch is formed by a first recess, the first recess defined on at the first side and extending between the third side and the fourth side; and the second latch catch is formed by a second recess, the second recess defined on at the second side and extending between the third side and the fourth side, the second recess arranged on the second side oppositely and symmetrically to the first recess arranged on the first side.
 7. The ruggedized fiber optic connector of claim 6, wherein the third latch catch is formed by a first protrusion and a second protrusion, both of the first protrusion and the second protrusion projecting outwardly from the third side and aligned along the central longitudinal axis.
 8. The ruggedized fiber optic connector of claim 7, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are arranged on the third side adjacent the first latch catch and the second latch catch.
 9. The ruggedized fiber optic connector of claim 7, wherein the third latch catch includes a third protrusion opposite to the first protrusion with the second protrusion therebetween on the third side along the central longitudinal axis.
 10. The ruggedized fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the first latch catch is formed by a first detent provided on the first side, and the second latch catch is formed by a second detent provided on the second side, each of the first and second detents including a declined surface at an angle relative to the central longitudinal axis such that hooks of a fiber optic adapter is forced into the first and second detents as cantilevered arms of the fiber optic adapter un-flex, the cantilevered arms of the fiber optic adapter configured to flex outwardly when the ruggedized fiber optic connector is inserted into the fiber optic adapter.
 11. The ruggedized fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the plug portion has a generally square cross-sectional shape.
 12. The ruggedized fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the ferrule is a single fiber ferrule.
 13. The ruggedized fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the first latch catch and the second latch catch are configured to engage a retention latch of a non-ruggedized fiber optic adapter to retain the plug portion within the non-ruggedized fiber optic adapter.
 14. The ruggedized fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the third latch catch is configured to engage a retention latch of a ruggedized fiber optic adapter to retain the plug portion within the ruggedized fiber optic adapter.
 15. The ruggedized fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the sealing member includes an O-ring mounted about an exterior of the connector housing. 